Bayer Leverkusen have parted ways with Erik ten Hag after only two Bundesliga matches in charge, making his tenure the shortest in the league’s history.
The 55-year-old Dutchman, who was appointed in May following his dismissal from Manchester United last October, lasted just a matter of weeks in the Leverkusen hot seat. He becomes the third former United boss to lose his job in the same week, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was let go by Besiktas and Jose Mourinho exited Fenerbahce.
“Making this decision was very difficult,” said managing director Simon Rolfes. “But in the last few weeks, it became clear that building a successful new team under this set-up wasn’t possible.”
Ten Hag’s dismissal sets a new Bundesliga record for the fastest sacking, previously held at five games. Leverkusen have picked up just one point from their opening two fixtures. They lost 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim after taking the lead and then squandered a two-goal cushion against 10-man Werder Bremen, drawing 3-3.
While his league form disappointed, Ten Hag’s reign had started with a comfortable 4-0 German Cup win over SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach on 15 August.
Leverkusen faced a major rebuilding job this summer after losing several key players. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both joined Liverpool in big-money moves, Granit Xhaka left for Sunderland, Jonathan Tah moved to Bayern Munich, Amine Adli signed for Bournemouth, and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky switched to Monaco.
The club reinvested heavily, bringing in Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, and Eliesse Ben Seghir for a combined £88m plus add-ons—the three biggest signings in their history. But integrating over a dozen new players proved too much, too soon for Ten Hag.
CEO Fernando Carro admitted the timing was tough but said it was necessary to act quickly. “Ending things this early is painful, but we need the right conditions to achieve our goals. We believe in this squad and must take the next steps with a new set-up.”
For now, assistant coaches will take charge of training as the club searches for a permanent replacement. Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up remain in the Champions League, with group-stage fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle to come.
Leverkusen return from the international break with a home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on 12 September.
