Erik Ten Hag Unleashes Fury at Bayer Leverkusen Following Shocking Manchester United Departure
Recently dismissed Bayer Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag criticized the Bundesliga club for failing to provide him with any "reciprocal confidence" prior to his termination just fourteen days into the new domestic season.
Ten Hag was dismissed from his position on Monday morning following a single point earned from his opening two league fixtures. No previous manager in Germany's top division had lasted fewer than three matches—and Dieter Hecking's earlier record was actually positive as he was recruited by Hannover 96 after guiding Alemannia Aachen to a 3–0 victory over his future club in the third round of the 2006–07 season.
The warning signs were ominous for Ten Hag during the summer period. A devastating 5–1 defeat to Flamengo's youth team was bracketed by the departure of key players. When Leverkusen surrendered a 3–1 advantage against 10-man Werder Bremen on Saturday, a match that club skipper Robert Andrich characterized as "suffering against suffering," the fate was sealed for the ex-Manchester United manager.
Yet he failed to recognize the indicators. "The choice by Bayer Leverkusen's leadership this morning to place me on leave came as a total shock," Ten Hag expressed in a sharp message on his representative's Instagram. "To dismiss a coach following merely two league contests is unheard of.
"This summer, numerous essential players who contributed to previous achievements departed the roster. Constructing a fresh, unified team is a delicate procedure that demands both patience and confidence. A new manager deserves the opportunity to execute his philosophy, establish expectations, mold the squad and imprint his influence on the playing approach.
"I began this position with complete belief and enthusiasm, but regrettably the leadership was unwilling to provide me the patience and confidence I required, which I profoundly lament. I believe this was never a partnership founded on reciprocal confidence."
Those sentiments were warranted. As Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes shockingly disclosed 90 minutes following Ten Hag's exit, the club had contemplated dismissing a coach hired on July 1 before this weekend's breakdown in Bremen. "Before we reach the incorrect outcome, we chose to make the choice early," was the harsh reasoning offered.
"Naturally, from the observations from the preseason, from the initial few matches, we sensed that we needed to act now," Rolfes devastatingly confessed.
"During my career, every campaign I have managed to complete as a manager has delivered achievement," Ten Hag stated in his resentful goodbye. "Organizations that invested their confidence in me have been compensated with triumph and trophies.
"Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the Bayer Leverkusen fans for their enthusiasm and dedication, and I wish the team and personnel all the best for the rest of the campaign."