Ten Hag Steps In After Alonso’s Departure
Erik ten Hag has been named the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen, taking over from Xabi Alonso, who recently accepted the managerial role at Real Madrid. The former Manchester United boss assumes control of a side that wrapped up the Bundesliga season in second place and made it to the German Cup semifinals this year.
A Fresh Chapter After United Exit
The 55-year-old Dutchman, who led Manchester United to two domestic cup triumphs, was dismissed from his role at Old Trafford in October 2024 after a disappointing start to the season, recording four defeats in the club’s opening nine league games.
Ten Hag Expresses Excitement at New Challenge
In an official statement released by the club, Ten Hag shared his thoughts on joining the German side:
“Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe. The club offers outstanding conditions, I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management. I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”
Leverkusen Aiming to Stay Among Europe’s Elite
Bayer Leverkusen, under Alonso, had a historic 2023–24 campaign — becoming the first Bundesliga side to finish a season unbeaten and securing both the league and the German Cup. Though they didn’t retain those titles this time around, their strong performances ensured they remain among the continent’s most promising squads.
Rolfes Backs Ten Hag’s Philosophy
Sporting Managing Director Simon Rolfes expressed full confidence in Ten Hag’s credentials and alignment with the club’s style of play:
“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional. With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022. And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times. Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.”
A New Era Begins in Leverkusen
Ten Hag earned acclaim during his time with Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles and memorably guided the Dutch side to the UEFA Champions League semifinals in 2019. Following a late-season collapse by Ajax under Francesco Farioli, the Amsterdam club had reportedly considered bringing Ten Hag back, but he now begins a new journey in the Bundesliga. At Bayer Leverkusen, Ten Hag will look to sustain and build upon the foundations laid by Alonso, though he may have to navigate a transitional period with possible changes to the squad.
About the Author
Arpit Sharma is a sports writer and journalism student at Chandigarh University, with a strong interest in sports analysis and storytelling. His writing combines match insights with a fresh, fan-first perspective that brings the game to life.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr's views.
With inputs from agencies
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