Erik ten Hag’s time in Germany is over almost as quickly as it began. Bayer Leverkusen have parted ways with the Dutch coach after only two Bundesliga matches.

The decision comes after a chaotic¹ start to the season that saw the club collapse² late against Werder Bremen, turning what looked like a sure victory into a costly³ draw.

The 55-year-old arrived in the summer as the man chosen to replace Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten double.

Instead of a smooth handover, the transition has been anything but. Leverkusen lost key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Granit Xhaka in the off-season, leaving Ten Hag with a squad⁴ in flux⁵.

A tough start and a quick exit

Ten Hag’s reign⁶ began with a routine cup win, but reality struck in the league. A home defeat to Hoffenheim on opening day raised early questions.

Then came Bremen. Up 3-1 against 10 men with half an hour left, Leverkusen appeared on course for their first win of the campaign.