Erik ten Hag was appointed as the new coach of Bayer Leverkusen on Monday. The Dutchman succeeds Xabi Alonso, who has moved to Real Madrid. Ten Hag has signed a contract with the German top club until mid-2027.
It is Ten Hag’s first coaching job since his dismissal at Manchester United in October. The 55-year-old coach had to leave due to disappointing results. He was employed by United for more than two years and won the League Cup (2023) and the FA Cup (2024) with the fallen top club.
Ten Hag previously worked in Germany as coach of Bayern Munich’s second team. In the Netherlands, Ten Hag was head coach of Go Ahead Eagles, FC Utrecht and Ajax. He won three national titles and two KNVB cups with Ajax. He also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with the club.
Ten Hag will also play Champions League football with Leverkusen. Alonso’s team finished second in the Bundesliga last season behind champion Bayern Munich. Alonso led Leverkusen to the national title for the first time in history last year.