Erik ten Hag takes over from Xabi Alonso: Bayer Leverkusen is restarting!

Erik ten Hag takes over from Xabi Alonso: Bayer Leverkusen is restarting!

A new era begins at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The football club has signed Erik ten Hag as the successor to Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid. The move marks a return to coaching for the 55-year-old after he was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024. Ten Hag wants to build on his successes at Leverkusen and has set himself ambitious goals: developing a powerful team and striving for titles are at the top of his agenda. The club finished last season in a strong second place in the Bundesliga and reached the semi-finals of the DFB Cup. Under Alonso, Bayer even became the first undefeated champions in Bundesliga history, a brilliant achievement for which Alonso's move came incomprehensibly, especially in the country.

“The objective is clear: We want to build a new team and stay in the top 4 of the Bundesliga so that we can play in the Champions League,” emphasizes Ten Hag. In recent years, talent management has become more important at Leverkusen and sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Ten Hag as an experienced talent developer, which comes in handy for the club.

New coaching team with a breath of fresh air

To support Ten Hag, Andries Ulderink was also appointed to the coaching team. The former Cape Town City FC coach, who also spent last season with Royal Antwerp in Belgium, brings international experience with him. During his time in Cape Town he held the interim head coaching position and will now take on a key role at Leverkusen.

However, the changes in the squad are inevitable. Captain Jonathan Tah has already announced that he will not extend his contract, which could result in a weakening of the defense. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are also in Liverpool's focus, with Rolfes confirming that there have already been contacts about Wirtz. We are now working intensively on possible new additions and our own player development in order to remain sustainably competitive in the fight for the top places in the table.

Change of coach in German football

Changing coaching positions is nothing unusual in the Bundesliga. According to statistics, the frequency of coaching changes has changed significantly since the 1963/64 season. This shows how fast-moving football has become in Germany. In the current context, it is noteworthy that the decision for Ten Hag and Ulderink stems from the need for stability and development of the squad. Bayer Leverkusen is looking for success again and hopes that the new coaching team brings the right mix of experience, strategy and talent management.

It remains exciting to see how the situation at Leverkusen will develop and whether Ten Hag can turn his vision into reality. Fans can look forward to an interesting season where the potential for excitement and blood pressure increases is high.