Erik ten Hag has delivered his first statement since being fired from Bayer Leverkusen after only two Bundesliga games in charge. The former Manchester United manager was brought in to replace Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard joined Real Madrid, just a year after leading Leverkusen to their first league title in an unparalleled undefeated season.
Ten Hag under immediate pressure after losing humiliatingly in his first pre-season game versus Flamengo’s under-20 team. And after a winless start to the Bundesliga season, his project was already dead. The Dutchman has finally responded to his unceremonious discharge.
Ten Hag’s Releases Statement After Leverkusen Sacking
Ten Hag has issued a statement through SEG Football in the hours following his dismissal, in which he lambasted the decision to let him go so soon into the position and implied that Leverkusen never supported him to replace several of the outstanding players they lost this summer.
Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Granit Xhaka — the latter of whom Ten Hag attempted to prevent from departing — all moved to the Premier League from Germany, necessitating a huge rebuilding effort.
Despite the entrance of players such as Jarrel Quansah and Mark Flekken, Ten Hag feels he was not adequately supported or trusted to reproduce his prior triumphs.
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management to put me on leave this morning was completely unexpected,” the former Bayern Munich assistant revealed.
“Parting ways with a coach after only two league matches is unprecedented.
“This summer, many significant players who contributed to previous achievements left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a deliberate process that takes time and trust.
“A new coach deserves the opportunity to implement his vision, create standards, mold the squad, and make his mark on the style of play. I began this task with full passion and zeal, but regrettably, management was unable to give me the time and trust I required, which I greatly regret.
“I don’t believe this was a partnership built on mutual trust. Throughout my coaching career, every season I’ve been able to see through to completion has resulted in success. Clubs that trusted me were rewarded with success and silverware.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Bayer Leverkusen supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff every success for the remainder of the season.”
Ten Hag became the third former Manchester United manager to be fired in a week, following Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who left Fenerbahce and Beskitas, respectively.
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