Erik Ten Hag has taken cost of Bayer Leverkusen, one yr after their outstanding unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning marketing campaign, with the duty of guiding the membership by a significant rebuild whereas additionally restoring his personal status.
Leverkusen kick off their Bundesliga season towards Hoffenheim on Saturday, however the squad seems to be vastly totally different from the facet that gained the league and cup double in 2023/24. Former coach Xabi Alonso has departed for Actual Madrid, taking his employees with him, whereas key gamers Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Lukas Hradecky have all moved on.
Of their place, the membership has turned to youthful reinforcements similar to Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman, and Ernest Poku, with additional arrivals anticipated.
Ten Hag, who left Manchester United after a turbulent stint regardless of profitable each home cups, burdened persistence in his opening press convention. “Nobody is Harry Potter. Constructing a workforce takes time,” he mentioned.
The Dutchman began his tenure with a 4-0 German Cup victory over fourth-tier Grossaspach, although he admitted the workforce remains to be a piece in progress.
Former Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann backed Ten Hag to succeed, whereas additionally tempering expectations: “Leverkusen should redefine their targets. A Champions League place, the German Cup, and progress in Europe are reasonable. Erik has the information and charisma to succeed.”
In the meantime, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane voiced concern over his membership’s lack of switch exercise after their 2-1 Tremendous Cup win over Stuttgart. With a number of senior departures and Jamal Musiala sidelined till 2026, Kane mentioned the squad feels “gentle” regardless of the arrivals of Jonathan Tah and Luis Díaz.
