Ten Hag Shocked as Leverkusen Sack Him After Two Matches

Erik ten Hag says he was shocked by Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to dismiss him after just two Bundesliga matches in charge.

The Dutch coach, who was appointed on July 1, was relieved of his duties on Monday following a disappointing start to the season.

His brief tenure included a German Cup win over SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach, a 2-1 league defeat to Hoffenheim, and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen.

“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise,” Ten Hag said in a statement. “To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.”

He also criticised the club’s handling of the transfer window, blaming the sale of key players for the team’s struggles and claiming he was not given enough time to implement his ideas.