Erik ten Hag has recently accepted the position of new manager at Bayer Leverkusen, as confirmed by the German club. Inking a two-year contract, Ten Hag steps into his first managerial role post his departure from Manchester United, a club he left amid significant challenges. His tenure at Old Trafford concluded in October 2023, a period characterized by struggles that saw the Red Devils slump to 14th in the Premier League standings, having garnered a mere 11 points from the initial nine matches. This lackluster performance led to his dismissal, making it evident that Ten Hag’s methods were not delivering the expected results on the pitch.
During his time with Manchester United, Ten Hag achieved notable success, including lifting both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, marking highlights in an otherwise tumultuous period. However, his efforts culminated in his replacement by Ruben Amorim mid-season, primarily due to overseeing Manchester United’s most dismal start to a league season since the 1989-90 campaign. Such challenges in one of the most prestigious leagues in the world have made his next steps at Bayer Leverkusen all the more crucial.
In his first statement after taking the helm at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Ten Hag expressed his admiration for the club, saying, “Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.” This acknowledgment reflects the ambitious nature of Leverkusen, a club that has, in recent years, cultivated a strong presence in both domestic and European football. Ten Hag emphasized the exceptional conditions provided by the club, mentioning that he had been impressed by the discussions he had with the management. Such interactions can often signal the strategic direction the club intends to pursue and the cohesive vision required for success.
Moreover, Ten Hag shows enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, stating, “I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years.” This ambition indicates a drive not only to maintain the club’s competitive edge but also to enhance it, especially as they move through a period marked by change. The determination to develop an ambitious team suggests that Ten Hag is ready to invest significant effort into fostering a winning culture within the squad.
Having a history rooted in German football, Ten Hag’s experience is not new; he previously managed Bayern Munich’s second team from 2013 to 2015. This role was foundational in his career, allowing him to hone his managerial skills and understanding of the game at a competitive level. His success in winning the Regionalliga Bayern title placed him on the radar of larger clubs and led to his return to his native Netherlands at FC Utrecht, before eventually making his way to Ajax.
At Ajax, which he took over in December 2017 after the departure of Marcel Keizer, Ten Hag further solidified his reputation as an exceptional coach. Under his stewardship, Ajax secured three Eredivisie titles, and remarkably reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, which showcased his ability to motivate teams to perform at their highest level on both domestic and international stages.
In comparison, his predecessor at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso, achieved remarkable feats by leading the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title, preserving an unbeaten campaign in the 2023-24 season. The legacy left by Alonso sets a high bar for Ten Hag as he embarks on this new chapter with Leverkusen. It will be interesting to see how he builds upon the successes of the preceding season, and whether he can maintain the momentum while infusing his philosophy into the squad.
As the football world watches closely, it is evident that Erik ten Hag’s appointment at Bayer Leverkusen comes with a blend of anticipation and challenge, a narrative that will unfold as the new season progresses.
