Bayer Leverkusen dismiss Erik Ten Hag after only three games

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the dismissal of head coach Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman was hired in the summer to succeed Xabi Alonso, but is already out of the door after just three games in charge. He had signed a two-year contract upon his appointment.

Speaking after the announcement, sporting director Simon Rolfes said, "This decision wasn't easy for us. No one wanted to take this step. But the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup isn't feasible. We firmly believe in the quality of our team and will now do everything we can to take the next steps in our development."

Meanwhile, CEO Fernando Carro said, "A separation at this early stage of the season is painful, but in our view, necessary. Our objective remains to achieve our goals for the season – and this requires the best possible conditions, at all levels and across the entire club."

Ten Hag's reign kicked off with a 4-0 DFB Cup victory over Großaspach Sonnenhof, before Leverkusen suffered an opening day Bundesliga defeat to Hoffenheim. They appeared to be closing in on their first three points of the season against Werder Bremen on Matchday 2, but the 10-man hosts clawed themselves back to a 3-3 draw after being 3-1 down.

Leverkusen have endured a summer of upheaval, with star players like Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah leaving and over 15 new players joining the club. The Werkself will hope to have a new head coach in place for their home match against Eintracht Frankfurt after the international break.

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