Bayer Leverkusen fired Dutch coach Erik ten Hag on Monday after just three games, citing doubts over his ability to manage the club’s post-summer overhaul following the departure of key players.
Leverkusen, Bundesliga champions in 2024, stumbled under Ten Hag with a 2-1 home loss to Hoffenheim and a 3-3 draw at home against 10-man Werder Bremen after squandering a two-goal lead. Sports director Simon Rolfes said the decision was “painful” but necessary to ensure the team’s development.
Ten Hag, 55, who replaced Xabi Alonso in May, had warned earlier that rebuilding the squad wouldn’t be instant, famously quipping he was “no Harry Potter” when facing squad challenges—a line he previously used while managing Manchester United after criticizing reliance on underused players.
Leverkusen gave no indication of a successor ahead of their next Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sept. 12.