Erik ten Hag is back in management. The former Manchester United boss has been appointed head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, the German club confirmed Monday morning.
The Dutchman replaces Xabi Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to a historic domestic double last season before accepting the top job at Real Madrid.
Ten Hag’s appointment marks a fresh chapter for both the manager and the Bundesliga champions. “I’m excited to join a club that has shown such ambition and quality,” Ten Hag said in a statement released by Leverkusen. “What this team achieved last season was remarkable. I hope to build on that success.”
The 54-year-old was dismissed by Manchester United after a difficult second season in charge. Despite a promising start, Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford became rocky, with inconsistent league form and early exits in Europe. His departure came after a disappointing sixth-place Premier League finish and growing questions over his style of play and player management.
Even so, Ten Hag leaves England with a League Cup title and a reputation for detailed preparation and tactical discipline. Before United, he made his name at Ajax, leading the Dutch side to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 and earning praise for his attacking football and player development.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, are in unfamiliar territory—starting a season as defending champions. Alonso’s departure to Madrid was announced Sunday, capping a whirlwind week for the club. The Spanish legend leaves with his reputation sky-high after guiding Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga crown and a German Cup triumph.
Club CEO Fernando Carro praised Alonso’s contribution but expressed full confidence in Ten Hag. “We’re grateful to Xabi for everything he’s done,” Carro said. “But we believe Erik is the right man to continue our progress. His experience at the highest level speaks for itself.”
Ten Hag will take over immediately, with pre-season preparations beginning in June. He inherits a young, talented squad built around stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong—players likely to attract attention from Europe’s elite this summer.
For Ten Hag, the move offers a reset—and a return to a league known for nurturing tactical thinkers. For Leverkusen, it’s a bold statement that they intend to remain among Europe’s elite, even as their visionary former coach moves on to the biggest stage.
There will be pressure, of course. But as Ten Hag himself once said during his time at Ajax: “Pressure is a privilege when you have ambition.”
Now, both he and Leverkusen have plenty.
