Bayer Leverkusen Next Manager: Top Contenders








Bayer Leverkusen took consequences after only two match days and released coach Erik ten Hag. The search for a successor starts. Who could take over.

With the lightning flash of coach Erik Ten HAG, Bayer Leverkusen caused a novelty in the Bundesliga. So far, no other club has given a coach to a coach as quickly as the champions from 2024. With the separation, the term of office of the Dutch in Leverkusen ends after only two months.



On July 1, the 55-year-old officially took over as the successor to Xabi Alonso, and was already over on September 1st. “We just had the feeling that it was going in a direction that is not the right one,” said sports manager Simon Rolfes. “We have many new players and it is important that there is clarity in many points and the direction is clear. We missed this in some areas.”

Association confirmed

Leverkusen separates from coach Erik Ten Hag


Separation no “short -circuit reaction”

The decision was not easy, said Rolfes. Ten Hag was surprised and disappointed, that was human. With his new club, Ten Hag had lost his first league game 1-2 against TSG Hoffenheim and had to accept a weak 3: 3 at Werder Bremen on the second matchday. In the Weser Stadium, Bayer 04 gave a 3-1 lead out of his hand.

Rolfes emphasized that the decision for ten HAG in the current constellation at Bayer was not the right one: “If you are responsible, you also make wrong decisions.” The separation was not a “short -circuit reaction” and did not depend on results last weekend. “Sometimes it is hard, but fairer when you draw a line early,” said the 43-year-old.




Ten hag was not desired

In addition to the athletic successes, it probably did not fit between him and the factory club. The public demands of further new additions, his communication with the team and above all the game preparation and the speeches should not have been well received within the association. His superiors had missed a commitment to the coach before and after the game in Bremen.


The commitment of Ten Hags, who had previously trained in his career, had trained Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester United, among others, was not a good star from the start. He was not the desired solution as the successor to the double winner Alonso, who went to Real Madrid. Bayer wanted CESC Fàbregas, but he canceled. In addition, there was the XXL squad break with exits from superstar Florian Wirtz and the top performers Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka and Jeremie Frimpong.

Bayer Leverkusen's sports manager Simon Rolfes (left) and the dismissed coach Erik ten HAG

Opinion

Just enthusiastic Leverkusen still the fans, now you can only shake your head





Bayer Leverkusen is looking for successors

While the training work at Bayer is now temporarily taken over by the assistant coaching staff, the search for a successor starts. The hottest candidate is said to be Marco Rose, who is currently looking for a job and knows the Bundesliga from his times in Gladbach, Dortmund and Leipzig. The former Barcelona coach Xavi, who has been without a job since summer 2024, could also be a candidate and is said to have good contact with Bayer-Boss Fernando Carro.

After being at Benfica in September 2024, Roger Schmidt was also on the market. He trained the Leverkuseners from summer 2014 to the beginning of 2017 and led the club to the Champions League twice. Edin Terzić is also circulating as another name. Since his end at BVB in the summer of 2024, his name has been associated with many clubs. It is an open secret that he wants to start a new post promptly.

DPA

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Key Data: Erik ten Hag’s Tenure at Bayer Leverkusen
Statistic Details
Games Played 2 (Bundesliga)
Wins 0
Losses 1
Draws 1
Goals Scored 4
Goals Conceded 5
Dismissal Date September 1, 2025
Reason for Dismissal Poor results, dialog issues, disagreements on team selection and overall vision.
Predecessor Xabi Alonso

Frequently Asked questions about Erik ten Hag’s Departure from Bayer Leverkusen

Why was Erik ten Hag fired from Bayer Leverkusen?

Erik ten Hag’s dismissal from Bayer Leverkusen stemmed from a combination of factors. Initial poor results, including a loss to Hoffenheim and a dropped lead against Werder Bremen, put pressure on his position. Additionally,reports indicate that there were issues with his communication style,game preparation,and overall fit within the club,contributing to the decision.

Who are the top candidates to replace Erik ten Hag?

Several managers are being considered to succeed Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen.Leading the list is believed to be Marco Rose, known for his Bundesliga experience with Gladbach, Dortmund, and Leipzig. Other potential candidates include former Barcelona coach Xavi, and managers like Roger Schmidt and Edin terzić are also in the mix.

What were the key reasons behind the poor performance under ten hag?

While the exact internal details remain a club matter, it’s clear that the team’s performance on the pitch was a deciding factor. The team struggled to convert chances, while defensive frailties were readily exposed. The speedy turnaround under a new manager like Alonso set the standards high.

Was ten Hag the preferred choice to begin with?

Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag was not the outright first choice for the role. Following Xabi alonso’s departure, the club initially pursued other targets before ultimately appointing Ten Hag. Furthermore, the departure of key players, such as Wirtz, Tah, Xhaka, and Frimpong, further compounded the manager’s early challenges.

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Aiko Tanaka

Aiko Tanaka is a combat sports journalist and general sports reporter at Archysport. A former competitive judoka who represented Japan at the Asian Games, Aiko brings firsthand athletic experience to her coverage of judo, martial arts, and Olympic sports. Beyond combat sports, Aiko covers breaking sports news, major international events, and the stories that cut across disciplines — from doping scandals to governance issues to the business side of global sport. She is passionate about elevating the profile of underrepresented sports and athletes.

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