Bayer Leverkusen officially confirm ten Hag sacking | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag has officially been relieved of his duties as Bayer Leverkusen coach after just three games in charge.

The decision was confirmed by the Bundesliga club on Monday afternoon.

“This decision was not easy for us. No one wanted to take this step," said Bayer 04 managing director for sport Simon Rolfes.

"However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this lineup cannot be done effectively.

"We firmly believe in the quality of our team and will now do everything possible to take the next steps in development with a new configuration.”

Bayer Leverkusen's CEO, Fernando Carro, added:

“A separation at this early stage of the season is painful, but from our perspective, it was necessary. Our goal remains to achieve the set season objectives – for that, we need the best possible conditions at all levels and across the entire licensed division. Now the focus is on fully reinstating and utilizing these conditions.”

Ten Hag was brought in over the summer as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, signing a two-year contract.

After progressing from the first round of the DFB-Pokal with a 4-0 win over lower-league side Grossaspach, Leverkusen have made a disappointing start to the Bundesliga, picking up just one point from their first two matches.

Die Werkself lost 1-2 to Hoffenheim before drawing 3-3 against Werder Bremen after squandering a two-goal lead despite playing 11 versus 10.