Ten Hag Replaces Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen

Monday’s replacement for Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen has been revealed as former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag returns to management with a two-year contract at the Bundesliga club, his first post since parting parts with Manchester United in October 2024.

Though not flawless, Leverkusen’s season came out as runners-up in the Bundesliga to Champions Bayern Munich. Over his two seasons with the Red Devils, the Dutchman lead them to FA Cup and League Cup triumphs and helped them to finish third in the 2022–23 Premier League season at United.

Ten Hag was ousted on October 28 following 2-1 loss to West Ham, though, following a bad start to the 2024–25 season. The 55-year-old delighted in his four years staying at Ajax, winning three league titles and two domestic cups before joining United.

In a Monday statement, Simon Rolfes, the Bayer Leverkusen sporting managing director, lauded Tan Hag’s record and noted that the team had hired an experienced coach with success at his back.

“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with amazing success on the pitch,” Rolfes stated.

From 2018 to 2022, he and Ajax ruled Dutch football with three league crowns and two domestic cup victories.

“And Erik showed his coaching quality with the following success at Manchester United under challenging circumstances at times,” said Rolfes.

Starting his career from July 1, Ten Hag views Leverkusen highly and says he wants to assemble an ambitious team.

“Leverkusen are among the best clubs in Germany and among the best in Europe as well. Ten Hag came here to establish an ambitious team during this era of transition and carry on the ambition displayed in past years.