Erik ten Hag appointed Bayer Leverkusen head coach after Xabi Alonso exit

Ten Hag returns to the Bundesliga with a two-year deal as Leverkusen begin a new chapter following Alonso’s move to Real Madrid.

New Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag speaks during a press conference on May 26, 2025, in Leverkusen, Germany. Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Widya Putri

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new head coach, marking the beginning of a new era at the Bundesliga club. The Dutch tactician replaces Xabi Alonso, who departed to take over at Real Madrid after leading Leverkusen through one of the most successful spells in their history.

Ten Hag, 55, signs a two-year contract and is expected to be unveiled in a press conference later today. This marks his return to German football after nearly a decade, having previously managed Bayern Munich II between 2013 and 2015.

Erik ten Hag appointed Bayer Leverkusen head coach, reflects the dramatic pivot for the club as it shifts from Alonso’s dynamic leadership to Ten Hag’s methodical approach.

From Manchester to the Rhine: Ten Hag’s managerial journey

Ten Hag arrives at Leverkusen having been out of work since October, when he was dismissed by Manchester United. His tenure at Old Trafford was marked by brief success — winning the Carabao Cup in the 2022–23 season and lifting the FA Cup a year later — but ultimately fell short of expectations. By the time of his dismissal, United were languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after just nine games.

The 2023–24 campaign proved equally underwhelming. United finished eighth, their lowest league position in over three decades, and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage. Despite the setbacks in England, Ten Hag’s reputation remains strong in Europe, especially following his spell with Ajax, where he secured three Eredivisie titles and famously guided the team to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, eliminating Real Madrid and Juventus in the process.

Filling Alonso’s shoes after a historic run

Taking over from Xabi Alonso is no small task. Under the Spaniard, Leverkusen claimed their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season. That campaign also included a DFB-Pokal victory and a run to the Europa League final, though they ultimately fell short against Atalanta.

However, Alonso’s final year in charge was less fruitful. Leverkusen ended the 2024–25 season without a major trophy, finishing 13 points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and falling short in European competition. Still, the foundation remains strong, and the arrival of Erik ten Hag as Bayer Leverkusen head coach signals a renewed commitment to building on that recent success.

A squad in transition but still rich in quality

Ten Hag inherits a squad packed with talent but one that is undergoing significant changes. The confirmed departure of Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah, along with the looming exit of Florian Wirtz, has certainly raised questions about the club's immediate prospects. However, the situation is far from dire.

Key players such as Alex Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, Patrik Schick, Piero Hincapié, Edmond Tapsoba, and Exequiel Palacios provide a solid spine. Even if a few more names exit during the summer transfer window, Leverkusen remain an attractive project. The potential to reinvest from high-profile sales is significant. Sporting director Simon Rolfes and his recruitment team are expected to be aggressive in the market, targeting immediate-impact players who can reinforce the squad's quality and identity.

Ten Hag’s clean slate: Loyalty to Alonso no longer a factor

One advantage Ten Hag holds is the fresh start he’s afforded. Alonso’s bond with certain players, particularly those who rose to prominence under his guidance, may have complicated a seamless transition for any incoming coach. But with several of those players now gone or preparing to leave, Ten Hag has the freedom to reshape the team in his own image without competing with his predecessor’s legacy in the locker room.

He may not carry Alonso’s charisma or the same level of media magnetism, but Ten Hag’s tactical pedigree is undeniable. He is known for instilling discipline, structured attacking play, and a pressing game — principles that align well with Leverkusen’s current roster and long-term ambitions.

A fresh era begins in Leverkusen

Expectations will inevitably be high, but the context has shifted. Ten Hag is not being asked to repeat Alonso’s undefeated domestic double. Instead, he steps into a role where the goal is to stabilize, refresh, and gradually push for renewed success. He brings experience, continental pedigree, and a tactical identity that could elevate Leverkusen further on both domestic and European fronts.

This appointment is more than just a managerial change. With Erik ten Hag appointed Bayer Leverkusen head coach, the club is sending a message: the ambition remains intact, and the future is being carefully curated. Rather than dwelling on past glories, Leverkusen is embracing a new chapter, with Ten Hag at the helm to guide them forward.

Whether that translates to another title push, a deeper run in Europe, or simply sustained top-four finishes, will depend on how effectively the club manages its summer overhaul and how quickly Ten Hag can imprint his style on the squad. But one thing is clear: the page has turned, and a new story begins now.

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