Bayer Leverkusen in ‘very advanced’ talks to appoint Erik ten Hag as Xabi Alonso’s successor | OneFootball

Reports that Erik ten Hag is set to replace Xabi Alonso as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen are apparently set to become a reality. The most reliable German journalist with sources close to the Bundesliga club treats ten Hag’s appointment as a near solid fact. Stephan van Nocks of Kicker claims that talks are already “very advanced”, also noting that an agreement might have already been reached.

The defending Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champions strive to ensure a smooth transition with respect to the head coaching position as soon as possible. Several key players have made no secret of the fact that they wish to leave the club if Leverkusen cannot come up with a clear plan for the future. After last week’s win over Augsburg, B04 professionals Robert Andrich and Jonas Hofmann both made critical statements about the club’s direction.

Bayer bosses Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro too seek clarity from Alonso and have expressed the desire to work matters out as soon as possible. Leverkusen’s Spanish head coach remains in line to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Ten Hag, meanwhile, will return to Germany for his first appointment since being dismissed by Manchester United last October.

Like most Dutchman, ten Hag speaks fluent German. The 55-year-old coached the FC Bayern Munich reserves for two years between 2013 and 2015. Ten Hag lead FCB II to the Regionalliga title and promotion to the 3. Liga during the 2013/14 campaign. During his tenure in Manchester, ten Hag worked with Austrian footballing executive Ralf Rangnick and a host of German footballing executives at the Premier League club.

GGFN | Peter Weis