The football world was left stunned on Monday morning as Erik Ten Hag was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just three matches, marking one of the shortest managerial tenures in Bundesliga history. What makes this dismissal even more extraordinary is the reported role that Lucas Vazquez’s controversial signing played in the Dutch manager’s downfall.
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The Shocking Timeline of Ten Hag’s Demise
Ten Hag’s journey at Leverkusen began with promise but quickly descended into chaos. The former Manchester United manager, who signed a two-year deal in May 2025 to replace the departing Xabi Alonso, found himself out of work within 63 days of taking charge.
| Match | Competition | Result | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG Sonnenhof vs Leverkusen | DFB-Pokal R1 | 4-0 Win | Aug 15, 2025 | Positive start |
| Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim | Bundesliga | 1-2 Loss | Aug 24, 2025 | Immediate pressure |
| Werder Bremen vs Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 3-3 Draw | Aug 31, 2025 | Final straw |
The weekend draw against Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen surrendered a two-goal lead despite playing against ten men, proved to be the final nail in Ten Hag’s coffin.
Lucas Vazquez: The Transfer That Broke Trust
The most shocking revelation emerged from German media reports suggesting that Lucas Vazquez’s arrival at Bayer Leverkusen was “the final dagger” for Erik Ten Hag. The former Real Madrid defender’s signing exposed a fundamental breakdown in communication between the manager and club hierarchy.
The Behind-the-Scenes Drama
According to reports from Bild, Lucas Vazquez was signed without Ten Hag’s approval or knowledge. The Dutch manager reportedly discovered the transfer only after the Spanish right-back had completed his medical tests. This revelation painted a picture of a club operating behind their manager’s back, undermining his authority from the start.
| Transfer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Lucas Vazquez |
| Previous Club | Real Madrid (Free Transfer) |
| Contract Length | Not disclosed |
| Manager’s Input | None – signed without approval |
| Discovery Time | After medical completion |
The relationship between Ten Hag and Leverkusen was said to be “beyond repair” after the Vazquez incident, highlighting the toxic atmosphere that had developed behind the scenes at the BayArena.
Club in Crisis: The Aftermath of Glory
Bayer Leverkusen’s current predicament stems from their remarkable success in the 2023-24 season. The club lost several key stars who helped them win their first Bundesliga title and German Cup, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka. Ten Hag inherited a squad in transition, with Leverkusen spending approximately €170 million to rebuild the team.
Ten Hag’s Defiant Response
The dismissed manager expressed his shock at the unprecedented decision. Ten Hag stated: “The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise“. He criticized the lack of trust from the club’s board, adding that he “never felt mutual trust” from Leverkusen’s management.
Player Revolt and Team Dysfunction
The problems extended beyond boardroom politics. Club captain Robert Andrich delivered a damning assessment after the Bremen draw, stating: “Everyone played for themselves, everyone ran around the pitch on their own“. This public criticism from the team’s leader highlighted the complete breakdown in team unity under Ten Hag’s brief reign.
Record-Breaking Dismissal
According to Opta, Ten Hag became the first manager in Bundesliga history to lose his job after just two league games having taken over in the summer. This unwanted record adds another chapter to what has become a troubling pattern in the Dutchman’s managerial career.
Financial Implications
Ten Hag’s brief stint could prove costly for Leverkusen. Having signed a two-year deal reportedly worth £4.7 million per year, the club could owe him more than £8 million in severance payments after his 62-day tenure.
The Search for Stability
With Champions League football beginning in less than three weeks, Leverkusen faces pressure to find a suitable replacement quickly. Early reports suggest Real Madrid legend Raul and former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez have been approached, though both have shown reluctance.
The Erik Ten Hag era at Bayer Leverkusen will be remembered as one of football’s most dramatic collapses. From the controversial Lucas Vazquez transfer to the record-breaking dismissal, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of trust and communication in modern football management.
Read More: Erik ten Hag Breaks Silence After Shocking Leverkusen Dismissal: “I Never Felt Mutual Trust.”
FAQs
Why was Erik Ten Hag sacked so quickly by Bayer Leverkusen?
Ten Hag was dismissed due to poor results (one point from two league games), tactical disagreements with players, and a breakdown in trust with management, particularly over transfer decisions including the Lucas Vazquez signing.
What role did Lucas Vazquez play in Ten Hag’s dismissal?
Vazquez was signed without Ten Hag’s knowledge or approval, with the manager only discovering the transfer after the medical was completed. This was reportedly the “final dagger” that made Ten Hag’s position untenable.
How long was Erik Ten Hag in charge at Bayer Leverkusen?
Ten Hag was in charge for just 63 days and three official matches (one DFB-Pokal win and two Bundesliga games), making it one of the shortest tenures in football history.
Who might replace Erik Ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen?
Reports suggest Leverkusen have approached Real Madrid legend Raul and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, though both have shown reluctance to take the role immediately.
What were the main problems during Ten Hag’s brief tenure?
Key issues included poor results, player unrest, a conservative tactical approach that clashed with the club’s philosophy, transfer disputes with management, and a complete breakdown in team unity.
