Erik ten Hag’s whirlwind tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, prematurely dubbed the “Erik Ten Weeks” era, ended abruptly after a mere 62 days, a period punctuated by underwhelming performances and internal discord. His brief reign, which encompassed a paltry two Bundesliga matches, culminated in a disheartening 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen squandered a commanding 3-1 lead. This disappointing result followed an opening-day defeat to Hoffenheim and a lone victory against a fourth-division opponent in the German Cup, painting a bleak picture of Ten Hag’s fleeting impact. While the on-field struggles undoubtedly contributed to his dismissal, the deeper reasons for his swift exit lie in a series of missteps and clashes that eroded his standing within the club.
Appointed in late May as the successor to the title-winning Xabi Alonso, who departed for Real Madrid, Ten Hag’s arrival carried a sense of anticipation, particularly considering the significant player turnover Leverkusen faced. The departures of key figures like Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah presented a rebuilding challenge, and Ten Hag was tasked with navigating these changes while maintaining the team’s competitiveness. However, his tenure quickly unraveled, beset by a series of questionable decisions and a perceived lack of leadership that ultimately proved his undoing.
Almost from the outset, Ten Hag’s actions sowed seeds of discontent within the club. One notable incident involved rescheduling a friendly match against Flamengo’s under-20 squad during Leverkusen’s training camp in Brazil. The match, moved forward four days from its original schedule, resulted in a humiliating 5-1 defeat for Leverkusen, raising concerns about Ten Hag’s judgment and preparation. This incident, coupled with his public stance against the departure of midfield stalwart Granit Xhaka, further strained his relationship with the club hierarchy. Despite Leverkusen’s openness to Xhaka’s exit if a suitable offer materialized, Ten Hag publicly advocated for his retention, arguing that the team had already lost too many key players.
Adding to the growing list of grievances, Ten Hag publicly criticized his players’ fitness levels despite having overseen their pre-season training. This criticism, perceived as misplaced and unfair, further alienated the squad and undermined his credibility as a leader. Perhaps most damaging, however, was the widespread perception of Ten Hag’s lack of charisma and leadership qualities. He appeared to struggle to connect with his players and inspire them with his vision. Reports suggested lackluster pre-match talks, culminating in an alleged absence of any pre-match address before the crucial season opener against Hoffenheim. This apparent disconnect contrasted sharply with the approach of his predecessor, Xabi Alonso, who actively sought to improve his German language skills and cultivate stronger relationships with his players.
The contrast between Ten Hag’s approach and that of his predecessor, Xabi Alonso, further highlighted his shortcomings. Alonso, during his time at Leverkusen, made a concerted effort to integrate himself into the club culture, even striving to improve his German language skills. This demonstrable effort to connect with the players and understand their needs stood in stark contrast to Ten Hag’s perceived aloofness and detachment. Alonso’s focus on building relationships and fostering a positive team environment contributed significantly to his success at Leverkusen, a factor that Ten Hag seemingly overlooked.
In conclusion, Erik ten Hag’s brief and tumultuous spell at Bayer Leverkusen serves as a cautionary tale of how a combination of poor on-field results and internal discord can quickly unravel a managerial tenure. While the disappointing performances undoubtedly played a role in his dismissal, the deeper reasons lie in a series of missteps and a perceived lack of leadership that ultimately sealed his fate. From questionable tactical decisions to public disagreements with the club’s transfer policy, Ten Hag’s actions created a climate of instability and distrust. Coupled with his apparent inability to connect with his players and inspire them with his vision, his brief reign at Leverkusen was destined for an early and unceremonious end. The stark contrast between his approach and that of his predecessor, Xabi Alonso, further underscores the importance of strong leadership, effective communication, and a genuine connection with the players in achieving success in the demanding world of professional football.
