Leverkusen explains decision to fire Ten Hag after just two matches

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said the club were forced to make the “difficult but right” decision to sack Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga games.

Ten Hag's reign at Leverkusen lasted only a few months.

The former Manchester United boss was appointed in May on a contract until 2027, succeeding Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid. However, his reign in Germany lasted just two games, becoming the shortest period of time in Bundesliga history before he was sacked.

Director of Sports Rolfes admitted that he and the board recognized the signs of instability early: “If you feel things are going wrong, you should not wait until you reach a dead end. If it is not suitable, it is better to separate early.”

Ten Hag started badly with a 5-1 defeat to Flamengo’s youth team in a friendly in Brazil, then lost to Hoffenheim and drew 3-3 with Werder Bremen despite leading 3-1 and having an extra man. “We didn’t see any consistency, no signs of improvement. The coach has to give the players that foundation, but we didn’t feel it,” added Rolfes.

According to the 43-year-old sporting director, Leverkusen decided to act early to avoid “waiting in frustration”: “Most clubs wait too long until bad results pile up. We don’t want to make the same mistake.”

Since parting ways with Ten Hag, Leverkusen are unbeaten in six consecutive matches in all competitions, with three wins and three draws, and have climbed to fifth in the Bundesliga - proof that the decisive move has paid off.

Rolfes also defended Florian Wirtz, the former Leverkusen playmaker who has struggled at Liverpool following his £100m (potentially rising to £116m) move. The German has yet to score or assist in nine Premier League and Champions League games, but Rolfes says “criticism is part of the game”.

According to internal data, Wirtz is currently the player who “creates the most chances in the Premier League”. Rolfes commented: “Florian is a team player. When Liverpool find their cohesion again and everyone has a clearer role, he will shine. There is no doubt - Wirtz will become a truly dominant player.”

Source: https://znews.vn/leverkusen-ly-giai-quyet-dinh-sa-thai-ten-hag-chi-sau-hai-tran-post1594420.html