- Raul strongly considered despite limited experience
- Ten Hag dismissed after just three games in charge
- Leverkusen directors drawing up a shortlist of replacements
Ten Hag’s disastrous stint at Leverkusen ended after just three matches, with the club parting ways with the Dutch coach following a turbulent start to the campaign. His dismissal comes only months after being sacked by Manchester Unido, making it back-to-back failures for the 55-year-old. The Bundesliga side are now actively searching for a replacement, with Madrid legend Raul emerging as a surprise candidate, according to Marca.
Die Werkself’s title-winning 2023-24 season under Xabi Alonso raised expectations, and the swift collapse under Ten Hag has prompted the club to reassess their managerial strategy. While Los Blancos legend Raul lacks top-flight coaching experience, his pedigree as Madrid’s Castilla coach and his strong reputation in Alemania from his playing days at Schalke have made him an attractive option. Alongside him, ex-Borussia Dortmund bosses Edin Terzic and Marco Rose, both with solid Bundesliga resumes remain firmly in the frame. The club are determined not to rush the decision and repeat recent mistakes.
Raul’s coaching journey has been closely tied to Madrid, where he guided the Castilla side and won the club’s first-ever UEFA Youth League title. Despite receiving approaches from other European teams in recent years, he has remained loyal to the Whites, waiting for the right opportunity. His Bundesliga past, however, gives him a unique edge in this race. Terzic, who led Dortmund to a Copa DFB title, and Rose, formerly of Leipzig and Dortmund, bring more direct top-level experience to the table.
Leverkusen are expected to finalise their decision after the international break, giving them time to carefully evaluate candidates. While Raul’s appointment would carry symbolic weight and international attention, Terzic and Rose remain strong alternatives. Whoever takes charge will face the immediate challenge of stabilising the squad and keeping pace in both the Bundesliga and Liga de Campeones.
