Erik Ten HAG, who went on a coach at Bayer Leverkusen, sharply criticized the leadership of his former club a few hours later. Although the separation had indicated over the weekend, the Dutch described this as “completely surprising”. In a statement by his agency cited by several media, Ten Hag scolded: “To separate himself from a trainer after just two league games is unprecedented.”
The German champion from 2024 had lost 1-2 against Hoffenheim on the first day and played a 3-1 at Werder Bremen on Saturday. In the end it was 3: 3. In addition, the former coach of Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester United is said to have lost the team at a record pace and have raised the bosses around CEO Fernando Carro and sports director Simon Rolfes.
“No mutual trust”
Rolfes had previously described it as a mistake that after the departure of Master Coach Xabi Alonso, he had relied on ten HAG as the successor. “I started this position with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not ready to give me the time and the necessary trust, which I deeply regretted. I have the feeling that this was never a relationship based on mutual trust,” said Ten HAG.
The 55-year-old obviously met the most of the time to have not given time to rebuild a team. Not only Alonso, but also numerous top performers left the club in summer, Rolfes converted the entire squad. “The establishment of a new, closed team is a careful process that requires time and trust. A new coach deserves the freedom to implement his vision, set standards, shape the team and put its stamp on the style of play,” said a disappointed ten HAG.
