Erik ten Hag has been appointed as the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, signing a contract until June 30, 2027. This follows Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid. The announcement was made via the club's official statement on X. Ten Hag's previous role was at Manchester United, where he won the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, before being sacked in October 2024 due to a poor start to the 2024/25 season.

Bayer Leverkusen officially presented Erik ten Hag as their new manager, succeeding Xabi Alonso. Alonso left after winning a historic domestic double in the 2023/24 season and setting a European record with a 51-game unbeaten streak. Ten Hag, 56, had been without a job since his dismissal from Manchester United in November 2024. Before Manchester United, he achieved significant success at Ajax, winning three Eredivisie titles, two domestic cups, and one Johan Cruyff Shield. He also led Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.

Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, expressed confidence in Ten Hag's experience and track record, citing his six titles with Ajax Amsterdam and his successes with Manchester United. Ten Hag's managerial career includes roles at Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich's second team, FC Utrecht, Ajax, and Manchester United. After Francesco Farioli's departure from Ajax, they approached Ten Hag, who declined in favor of a new adventure.

Ten Hag expressed his excitement about joining Bayer Leverkusen, highlighting the club's excellent conditions and ambitious goals. He aims to build on the club's recent success and develop an ambitious team. Ten Hag is expected to address potential departures, including stars like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah, who are linked to Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen, who finished second behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and reached the DFB Cup semi-finals, seek to build on Alonso's foundation. Rolfes emphasized that Ten Hag's and the club's footballing philosophies align, aiming to continue their dominant style across all competitions.

Ten Hag views the Bayer Leverkusen job as an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after his tenure at Manchester United. He looks forward to facing strong competition in the Bundesliga, including Harry Kane and Bayern Munich. He acknowledges the need to address potential squad changes during the summer.

Leverkusen, under Alonso, had a remarkable 2023/24 campaign, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup. Ten Hag expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge, noting the club's ambition and the appealing task of building a team during a phase of change.

Rolfes praised Ten Hag's track record, citing his ability to deliver results and his six title wins with Ajax Amsterdam. He also highlighted Ten Hag's successes with Manchester United under difficult conditions. Leverkusen aims to maintain domestic momentum and establish itself in European competitions under Ten Hag's leadership.