ERIK TEN HAG was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just two matches due to FIVE major problems.
The former Manchester United was dumped by his new German side after failing to win either of his opening Bundesliga games.
Ten Hag’s exit came as a shock, with some fans feeling the Dutchman was unfairly treated while following in Xabi Alonso’s footsteps.
Leverkusen bid farewell to numerous title-winning stars including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Piero Hincapie, with all three now in the Premier League.
And Ten Hag was left to work with a new group of aces whose quality was arguably not as high.
However, Leverkusen bosses were eager to pull the plug after long-standing employees branded him the WORST coach in their club’s history.
BIZARRE APPROACH
Bild now claims there were five key reasons to sack Ten Hag as quickly as possible – with the Dutchman leaving with a DAILY earning of £86,000 thanks to his £5.2million salary and severance package.
First off, it’s claimed that Ten Hag failed to get along with any of his players OR staff – including the ones who arrived with him in July.
He refused to give a “rousing” speech before the first match against Hoffenheim, with the game ending in a 2-1 defeat.
And many of his staff and players were left questioning his bizarre decision to almost downplay the occasion.
TRANSFER MADNESS
Secondly, the Dutchman was accused of “interfering” with Leverkusen’s transfer plans, including only proposing players from his own agency.
Ten Hag is represented by SEG Football, who represent Rasmus Hojlund and also allegedly batted for Andre Onana and Antony when they joined Man United for huge fees.
Meanwhile, he publicly vetoed Granit Xhaka’s move to Sunderland, despite an internal agreement for the Swiss ace to move on.
And Leverkusen chiefs went directly against Ten Hag when they granted Xhaka his exit just days later.
Elsewhere, the late arrival of Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid was made without Ten Hag knowing until AFTER the ace’s contract was signed – highlighting his lack of relationship with club transfer guru Simon Rolfes and ultimately indicating Leverkusen’s decision to move forward without him.
TRAINING PAIN
The third reason for Ten Hag’s exit was his insistence on players doing PUSH UPS during training, ranking it as important as working with the ball.
Stars were used to lots of tactical and technical work under predecessor Alonso, now at Real Madrid.
And Ten Hag’s “unusually long” training sessions, packed with dull physical work, left many unmotivated.
NO CONNECTION
Fourthly, chiefs were left concerned by the “cold” atmosphere around the club, with Ten Hag’s lack of leadership resulting in a major disconnect at the training ground AND the stadium.
Staff ranging from coaches to nutritionists and physios quickly became disillusioned.
And the recent memories of Alonso’s title-winning reign only further compounded the misery.
TACTICAL DISASTERCLASS
Finally, the proof was in the pudding itself.
Leverkusen lost their first match to Hoffenheim, and then threw away a two-goal lead to draw with 10-men Werder Bremen.
Players were said to be baffled by the lack of ideas and general game plan – and it showed.
Individuals were expected to take decisive actions, but none seemed to work in a consistent tactical manner across the field.
And the only thing Leverkusen chiefs have been left to ponder is whether they should have sacked Ten Hag earlier.
Reports claim former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is now being considered as his replacement.
While there is also interest in former Bundesliga managers Marco Rose and Edin Terzic, with a decision set to be made over the international break.
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