Erik ten Hag has been handed a harsh dose of reality after Bayer Leverkusen publicly confirmed the real reason behind his record-breaking dismissal.
The former Manchester United manager lasted just three games before the Bundesliga club decided the partnership was beyond repair.
Ten Hag arrived in the summer to replace Xabi Alonso, but his reign quickly unravelled.
After an opening win in the German Cup, Leverkusen surrendered leads to Hoffenheim and a 10-man Werder Bremen side, earning just one point from their first two league matches.
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Leverkusen have since surged to third in the Bundesliga under new manager Kasper Hjulmand, even defeating Manchester City in the Champions League with goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick.
Managing Director for Sport Simon Rolfes later explained the brutal decision, insisting it was “better to stop” once he realised the connection between Ten Hag and the squad wasn’t working.
Leverkusen Chief Says Trust Was Missing
Rolfes stressed that leadership required decisive action, adding: “If you’re not convinced, you must make decisions. I only think about what’s best for results.”
Ten Hag, however, claimed he was blindsided by the dismissal. The Dutchman criticised the club for not giving him time, pointing to the summer departure of key players and the challenge of building a new team.
He insisted he began the role with “full conviction and energy” but felt the relationship lacked mutual trust, reports Mirror.
Despite the setback, Ten Hag has already turned down a return to Ajax, rejecting the opportunity for a second spell after Johnny Heitinga’s sacking earlier in the season.
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