- Ten Hag’s Man Utd struggles flagged as warning
- Leverkusen legend doubts Dutchman’s suitability
- Marco Rose named as preferred replacement
In what has been perceived as a surprising move, Leverkusen have parted ways with Ten Hag after just three competitive matches in charge. The Dutchman, appointed in May on a two-year deal as Xabi Alonso’s successor, was dismissed following a chaotic 3-3 draw with 雲達不萊梅, where Leverkusen conceded twice late on, including a stoppage-time equaliser despite their opponents going down to 10 men.
Ten Hag’s brief tenure started with a comfortable 德國足協盃 win against Sonnenhof Grossaspach, but a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim on the Bundesliga’s opening weekend set the tone. Saturday’s draw compounded the pressure, and by Monday morning, the club’s shareholders’ committee had recommended his removal.
Germany legend Matthaus was blunt in his assessment, insisting Leverkusen should have heeded the “warning” from Ten Hag’s Manchester 團結的 struggles, and arguing he was “wasn’t the right coach” for the project. Matthaus also named an “ideal replacement” to restore order and direction at the 德甲聯賽 champions.
In his recent coloumn at Sky Sport the Ballon d’Or winner argued the warning signs were already there from his troubled United tenure and even suggested a different coach should have been brought in during the summer.
Matthaus said: “For me, Ten Hag was not the right coach. Erik ten Hag is already history at Leverkusen. He didn’t deliver the desired results at 曼聯. That should have been a warning to Bayer. In my 觀點, Ten Hag wasn’t the right coach for Leverkusen. They didn’t get Cesc Fabregas in the summer. That would have been the most logical move for me.”
On who should take charge next, he added: “In my opinion, Marco Rose is a candidate for the successor. He can lead a team and also work with young players. There’s a coach on the market who has already shown his quality. Marco is someone I would like to have on the Leverkusen sidelines.”
Ten Hag’s dismissal highlights both the ruthless demands of modern football and Leverkusen’s desire to protect momentum after Alonso’s historic title-winning campaign. The Dutch coach arrived with baggage from his turbulent spell at United, where poor league form ultimately overshadowed domestic cup triumphs.
The swift decision also highlights Leverkusen’s determination to remain dominant in Germany and competitive on the European stage. Despite Ten Hag repeatedly stressing his commitment, he also stuck to the same Alonso’s tactical approach that had brought Bayer success last season, refusing to make meaningful adjustments. With significant investments already made in the squad, the club’s hierarchy showed little tolerance for early instability and acted decisively.
Ten Hag is the third former Manchester United boss to be sacked in the last week, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at 貝西克塔斯 and Jose Mourinho at 費內巴切.
Attention now turns to Leverkusen’s next fixture against 法蘭克福 on September 13. The club’s board must quickly decide whether to appoint an interim manager or move decisively for a long-term successor. Marco Rose is already being tipped by Matthaus as the prime candidate, given his track record at Borussia Dortmund and RB萊比錫.
For Ten Hag, the sacking raises big questions about his future with two high-profile dismissals in under a year leave him with limited options at elite European clubs. For Leverkusen, however, the decision signals a ruthless commitment, the Alonso era raised expectations, and nothing less than immediate competitiveness will suffice.
