Erik ten Hag 'facing Bayer Leverkusen sack' as ex-Man Utd boss lasts just three games

Erik ten Hag is on the verge of being sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just two league matches, according to reports in Germany. The former Manchester United manager was snapped up by the Bundesliga giantsto replace Xabi Alonso ahead of the new campaign. He has endured a tough start to life in Germany, with the 2024 champions yet to win a league game.

Ten Hag started his reign with a win over fourth-tier minnows Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. He then oversaw a narrow defeat to Hoffenheim, who came from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory after Jarell Quansah's early opener. Leverkusen went on to surrender a two-goal lead against Werder Bremen on Saturday, eventually settling for a 3-3 draw.

Now, it has been reported by Kicker that Ten Hag is at risk of being sacked just three months after he was appointed as their manager. The situation is described as 'extremely critical' with the Dutchman thought to be facing massive internal scrutiny.

It is said that club chiefs will make a firm decision on Ten Hag's future once the summer transfer window is closed. It suggests that he could be sacked as early as Monday evening, with Leverkusen yet to communicate their final verdict.

It comes after the 55-year-old tore into his players following the draw with Wolfsburg, urging them to take responsibility for their poor start to the season.

He said: "The players aren't ready. We have a new team and some of the players aren't at all fit enough to play. The team didn't function at all during the final stage of the game. That's just the way it is.

"They need to bring more intensity and get fitter in order to meet my standards. After the international break, we face real competition and must perform as a team.

"That begins with taking responsibility and delivering individual performances. And they have to demonstrate to me that they want to work together.

"First, we need to have the players. There's been a major upheaval. A lot has changed in the leadership and hierarchy of the team. Now new players have to step up. We didn't do that well today."

Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich also made some damning comments in his post-match interview, complaining about a lack of team spirit and cohesion.

"This has nothing to do with unrest or player changes," he said, appearing to contradict Ten Hag. "But rather with the team on the pitch. We have too many people preoccupied with other things.

"We have too many people who are concerned only with themselves. Everyone played for themselves. Everyone ran around the pitch on their own."

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