In fact, Erik ten Hag lost his job so quickly not just due to poor results, but everything surrounding them.
He wanted a greater say in transfer policy, yet did not receive the authority he believed he deserved. The collapsed transfer of Quinten Timber is a case in point.
He struggled with communication with players, staff, and board members. Furthermore, according to the club's management and several players, he lacked the enthusiasm that is characteristic of many German coaches.
When there is awkwardness, frictions, and a failure to gel on both sides, you can either force the relationship to continue in the hope of better results, or step in immediately and choose to walk away.
Many clubs opt for the former, but this often leads to suffering and eventually a split. Sometimes, patience pays off, but in the football world full of opportunities, this quality is often hard to come by.
At Bayer Leverkusen, they thought it was better to endure short-term pain than long-term agony. Whether this decision will pay off remains to be seen, but in any case, it is a clear choice. Naturally, the club's board was not only responsible for appointing ten Hag, but also for the overall well-being of Bayer Leverkusen.
If the foundation of trust was so fragile and plummeted below zero so quickly, the Leverkusen board's decision is understandable. This will indeed leave a tarnish on ten Hag's reputation, but it is just a minor blemish. Precisely because this decision is so unusual, it will not be remembered for long.
