Erik Ten Hag has taken charge of Bayer Leverkusen, one year after their remarkable unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign, with the task of guiding the club through a major rebuild while also restoring his own reputation.
Leverkusen kick off their Bundesliga season against Hoffenheim on Saturday, but the squad looks vastly different from the side that won the league and cup double in 2023/24. Former coach Xabi Alonso has departed for Real Madrid, taking his staff with him, while key players Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Lukas Hradecky have all moved on.
In their place, the club has turned to youthful reinforcements such as Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman, and Ernest Poku, with further arrivals expected.
Ten Hag, who left Manchester United after a turbulent stint despite winning both domestic cups, stressed patience in his opening press conference. “No one is Harry Potter. Building a team takes time,” he said.
The Dutchman started his tenure with a 4-0 German Cup victory over fourth-tier Grossaspach, though he admitted the team is still a work in progress.
Former Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann backed Ten Hag to succeed, while also tempering expectations: “Leverkusen must redefine their goals. A Champions League place, the German Cup, and progress in Europe are realistic. Erik has the knowledge and charisma to succeed.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane voiced concern over his club’s lack of transfer activity after their 2-1 Super Cup win over Stuttgart. With several senior departures and Jamal Musiala sidelined until 2026, Kane said the squad feels “light” despite the arrivals of Jonathan Tah and Luis Díaz.
