Erik Ten Hag as said he “never” got the trust he deserved with Bayer Leverkusen after his “unprecedented” sacking on Monday.
The former Manchester United manager was sacked by the Bundesliga side after just three games, after signing a two-year contract to replace now-Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso earlier in the summer.
Leverkusen began their season with a 4-0 win over fourth-tier side Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the DFB Pokal and a 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. On Saturday they let a 3-1 lead go to draw 3-3 with Werder Bremen.
Ten Hag released a statement via his agency SEG Football in the evening after the decision to lament his “surprise” dismissal after not being granted the “time and the trust” he needed by management in the job.
“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,” he said in the statement.
“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.”
Leverkusen had lost key players Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz to Liverpool over the summer, while captain Granit Xhaka left for Sunderland as well.
The Dutchman had been sacked by United in October 2024 with his side placed 14th in the Premier League table, having won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024.
The full statement read: “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. 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.”
