Erik ten Hag said that Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to dismiss him after only two Bundesliga matches came as a «full surprise» and accused the club to miss trust in him.
Leverkusen opened his league campaign with a 2-1 home defeat against Hoffenheim before he pulled 3-3 against 10-man Werder Bremen on Saturday. The poor start led to the abrupt departure of the 55-year-old Dutchman on Monday.
Ten Hag, who had been without work since he was fired by Manchester United in October last year, replaced Xabi Alonso in May for a two -year deal after the Spaniard left to take the lead over Real Madrid.
«The decision of the management of Bayer Leverkusen this morning to put me on a leave came as a complete surprise. To separate a coach after only two league games are unprecedented,» Ten Hag said in a statement from his desk.
Under Alonso enjoyed Leverkusen of a historical campaign from 2023–24, he won his first Bundesliga title unbeaten, lifted the German cup and reached the Europa League final.
But ten Hag was confronted with a difficult rebuilding after the summer deviation of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka and Amine Adli.
«Building a new, coherent team is a careful process that requires both time and trust,» Ten Hag said. «I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to give me the time and confidence that I needed, which I deeply regret. I think this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.»
The most successful spell of ten hag came to Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles and the club led to the semi -final of the Champions League 2019.
«Clubs that have put their confidence in me have been rewarded with success and silverware,» he added.
Published on 02 September 2025
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