Bayer Leverkusen have sensationally sacked Erik ten Hag just 62 days into his tenure, following a disastrous start to the Bundesliga season.

The former Manchester United manager took charge in July after Xabi Alonso’s departure, but his reign has ended abruptly after only two league matches.

Leverkusen’s hierarchy made the decision in the wake of Saturday’s shocking 3-3 draw against ten-man Werder Bremen, a game in which Die Werkself squandered a two-goal lead.

The Dutchman had already lost his opening league fixture to Hoffenheim, leaving his position untenable despite an earlier 4-0 DFB-Pokal win in August.

In a club statement, Leverkusen confirmed:

“Bayer 04 Leverkusen has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag with immediate effect. Training will be taken over by the assistant coaching staff for the time being.”

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the board informed Ten Hag of their decision on Monday morning, delaying the team’s scheduled training session.

Squad Overhaul Left Ten Hag Struggling

Leverkusen endured a turbulent summer transfer window, losing five of their title-winning stars: Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Lukas Hradecky, and Jonathan Tah.

The exodus left Ten Hag with a much-changed squad, but patience quickly ran out after the club’s poor Bundesliga start.

Who Next for Leverkusen?

With the international break providing a small window of stability, the German champions now have time to appoint a new head coach before resuming Bundesliga action on September 12 against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Ten Hag’s sacking marks one of the shortest managerial stints in recent Bundesliga history and raises serious questions about both the coach’s future and Leverkusen’s long-term planning.