Erik ten Hag Slams Bayer Leverkusen After Shock Exit

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hit out at Bayer Leverkusen after his shock dismissal just two weeks into the season.

The Dutch coach was sacked on Monday morning, having picked up only one point from his opening two Bundesliga fixtures.

Never before had a manager in Germany’s top flight been dismissed so quickly, making ten Hag’s exit truly unprecedented.

The writing was on the wall after Leverkusen blew a 3–1 lead against 10-man Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Captain Robert Andrich called the performance “misery versus misery,” summing up the mood in the camp.

Ten Hag Claims Lack of Trust From Leverkusen Board

In a passionate Instagram statement, ten Hag said the decision came as a “complete surprise” and accused the club of never giving him trust.

He insisted that building a new squad after several departures would have required both “time and patience.”

Ten Hag added that he had arrived at the club with “full conviction and energy” but was denied the chance to shape the team.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes later admitted Leverkusen had concerns about ten Hag as early as preseason.

He explained the club felt it was better to “make the decision early” before the situation worsened, reports SI.

Ten Hag, however, pointed to his career record, reminding that every club who placed faith in him ultimately won trophies.

He ended by thanking Leverkusen supporters for their passion and wishing the squad success moving forward.