Bayer Leverkusen appoints Erik Ten Hag as new head coach after Xabi Alonso’s exit
Dutch tactician Erik ten Hag takes charge at Bayer Leverkusen after Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid, aiming to build on the club’s historic unbeaten season.
Former Manchester United and Ajax Boss signs two-year deal to lead Bundesliga giants.
Bayer Leverkusen have officially announced Erik ten Hag as their new head coach following the departure of Xabi Alonso, who has taken over the reins at Real Madrid.
The 55-year-old Dutchman signed a two-year contract with the Bundesliga side earlier today, and the news has sparked excitement among sections of the football world.
Ten Hag, who previously managed Ajax and Manchester United, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for tactical discipline and youth development.
His appointment marks a significant step in Leverkusen’s attempt to maintain their upward trajectory after a historic 2023–24 season under Xabi Alonso.
From Old Trafford to the BayArena
Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United had its highs and lows. During his two years at Old Trafford, he guided the Red Devils to an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup victory.
However, inconsistent league performances saw United languish in 14th place by October 2024, prompting the club to part ways with him.
Despite his dismissal, Ten Hag’s coaching credentials remain strong. Prior to joining United, he enjoyed great success at Ajax, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles and took the club to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2019, a run that gained him international acclaim.
It was this track record that caught Bayer Leverkusen’s attention, particularly after it became clear that Alonso would be heading to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Leverkusen moved swiftly to secure Ten Hag’s services once Alonso’s departure was confirmed by Real Madrid on Sunday.
Club insiders say that the Dutchman’s structured style of play, focus on tactical systems, and proven ability to rebuild squads were key factors in their decision.
A New Era Begins
At his unveiling press conference, Ten Hag expressed enthusiasm about the project ahead:
” I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”
The challenge ahead is no small one. Ten Hag steps into a club that just completed one of the greatest seasons in its history.
Under Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), completing a historic domestic double. More impressively, they went the entire league campaign unbeaten, a rare feat in German football.
With such a high bar set, many fans and are already debating whether Ten Hag can replicate Alonso’s success or forge a new path for the club. Expectations will be immense, and patience may be in short supply as Leverkusen aim to prove that last season was not a one-off.
Ten Hag, however, is no stranger to pressure. He has rebuilt clubs before, and with Leverkusen now a team full of talent and belief, he may well be the right man to guide them into a new era.
Only time will tell if the Dutch tactician can live up to the legacy left by Alonso but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Leverkusen when the new Bundesliga season kicks off.
