Erik ten Hag was appointed Bayer Leverkusen's head coach in the close-season but was put on leave after only two Bundesliga matches, making him the first coach in Bundesliga history to be dismissed so soon after a summer appointment. Leverkusen underwent a major squad overhaul over the summer with departures of Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Jeremie Frimpong. The club had taken only one point from a possible six in the league when the management decided to change coach. Ten Hag said the decision surprised him, stressed that building a new team requires time and trust, and expressed regret at the lack of mutual trust.
The decision by Bayer Leverkusen's management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented,
This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust. A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.
I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.
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