Erik ten Hag Appointed as Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new head coach, signing the Dutchman to a contract that runs until June 2027. The 55-year-old takes over from Xabi Alonso, who recently departed to become the new manager of Real Madrid.

Ten Hag’s arrival marks his first role since leaving Manchester United in October 2024. During his tenure at Old Trafford, he led United to Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories but was dismissed after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. Prior to his stint in England, Ten Hag enjoyed significant success at Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles and two domestic cups, and guided the Dutch side to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

Leverkusen are entering a new era following a historic period under Alonso, who led the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title with an unbeaten campaign and a domestic double in the 2023/24 season. The most recent season saw Leverkusen finish second behind Bayern Munich and reach the German Cup semi-finals.

Speaking after his unveiling, Ten Hag expressed admiration for Leverkusen’s recent progress and outlined his ambitions:

“Bayer Leverkusen is one of the best clubs in Germany and also belongs to the expanded European elite. The club offers excellent conditions, the talks with those responsible have impressed me very much. I have arrived in Leverkusen to build upon the ambitions demonstrated in recent years. It is an enticing challenge to collaborate during this transitional phase and cultivate an ambitious squad”.

Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, praised Ten Hag’s track record, highlighting his six trophies at Ajax and his resilience in challenging conditions at Manchester United. Rolfes emphasized that both the club and Ten Hag share a vision for “technically demanding and dominant football” as Leverkusen aim for continued success in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and Champions League.

Ten Hag is set to officially begin his new role on July 1, 2025, as Leverkusen embark on a new chapter, seeking to maintain their status among Germany and Europe’s elite under the guidance of their experienced new manager.

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