In a move that has sent shockwaves through European football, Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the swift departure of manager Erik ten Hag, making his tenure the shortest in Bundesliga history.
The former Manchester United boss was shown the door after overseeing just three matches in charge, with the club's Managing Director for Sport, Simon Rolfes, delivering a brutally honest assessment of the situation.
The Reality Check
Rolfes stated that the decisive action to part ways with the Dutch coach was necessary for the benefit of both parties. He emphasised that his leadership role demanded he act when it became clear the partnership was not progressing positively.
"At the end of the day it is about the connection with the people," Rolfes explained ahead of Leverkusen's Champions League victory over Manchester City. "And we had the feeling it wasn't working out or heading on a good direction. So that's why it is better to stop, for both sides."
A Brief and Unsuccessful Tenure
Ten Hag's time at the BayArena was remarkably brief. He was appointed in the summer to replace the departed Xabi Alonso. His reign began with a comfortable victory against fourth-tier side SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach.
However, his two subsequent Bundesliga fixtures proved disastrous. Leverkusen surrendered leads against both Hoffenheim and a 10-man Werder Bremen, securing only a single point from those matches. This poor start ultimately sealed his fate.
Life After Ten Hag and His Reaction
Under the temporary guidance of Kasper Hjulmand, the team has shown immediate improvement. They currently sit third in the Bundesliga after 11 matches and secured a statement victory against Manchester City in the Champions League, with goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick.
Ten Hag, who was sacked by Manchester United less than 12 months prior, expressed his shock and disappointment. He described the decision to put him on a leave of absence as "a complete surprise" and argued that a new coach deserves time and trust to implement his vision.
"Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust," Ten Hag stated. "I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust. I deeply regret that the management was not willing to grant me the time I needed."
Despite being linked with a return to Ajax, Ten Hag has already turned down the opportunity to manage the Dutch giants for a second spell.
