German football club fires Dutch coach Ten Hag after only two matches

Bayer Leverkusen has dismissed Dutch coach Erik ten Hag after only two matches in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top soccer league, ending his tenure just two months after he took charge, according to NOS. Ten Hag, 55, began his job on July 1 at the club that won both the German league and cup in 2024. Last season, Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.

Ten Hag was previously dismissed by Manchester United last season but had earlier success with Ajax, FC Utrecht, and Go Ahead Eagles.

At Bayer Leverkusen, the coach allegedly faced a weakened squad from the start. Key players Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz were sold to Liverpool, while captain Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka, Amine Adli, and Odilon Kossounou also departed. His main signing was former PSV midfielder Malik Tillman, joined by Dutch players Mark Flekken and Ernest Poku.

“In this early stage of the season, parting ways is painful but, from our point of view, necessary,” said club chief executive Fernando Carro.

Ten Hag's team lost 2-1 at home to TSG Hoffenheim in the opener, then drew 3-3 with Werder Bremen despite Bremen playing with 10 men for the final half hour. Leverkusen had led 3-1 in that match.

According to NOS, former professional Erik Meijer had warned at the time of Ten Hag’s appointment: “No club has patience anymore, you must deliver immediately and that will also apply to Ten Hag. He won’t get time; he has to perform right away.”