Bayer Leverkusen appoint Erik ten Hag to replace Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso
ByOli Gent
Updated 26/05/2025 at 16:42 GMT+1
Bayer Leverkusen have appointed former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as their new manager to replace Xabi Alonso, who leaves the BayArena to join Real Madrid. Ten Hag takes up his first position since being sacked by United in October 2024, when the Red Devils were 14th in the Premier League table having taken 11 points from nine games. The Dutchman has signed a two-year deal in Germany.
Alonso unveiled and eyes 'great beginning' at Club World Cup
Video credit: TNT Sports
Erik ten Hag has been named Bayer Leverkusen's new manager, signing a two-year deal with the German club.
The former Manchester United head coach takes on his first role since his dismissal at Old Trafford in October last year.
He left the Red Devils in 14th place, having taken just 11 points from their opening nine games.
The Dutchman lifted the FA Cup and EFL Cup with United, but he was replaced mid-season by Ruben Amorim having overseen United's worst start to a league season since 1989-90.
"Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe," he told the club's official site.
"The club offers outstanding conditions, I've been very impressed with the discussions of the management.
"I've come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years.
"It's an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team."
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Ten Hag is no stranger to German football, having coached Bayern Munich's second team from 2013 to 2015.
He won the Regionalliga Bayern title during his tenure, before taking over back in his native Netherlands at FC Utrecht.
He moved to Ajax in December 2017, taking over from Marcel Keizer.
He guided Ajax to three Eredivisie titles and a UEFA Champions League semi-final during his time in Amsterdam.
Ten Hag replaces Xabi Alonso at the BayArena, with the Spaniard departing to join his former club Real Madrid, taking on the vacancy at the helm after Carlo Ancelotti's decision to leave and take on the responsibility of managing the Brazilian national team.
Alonso won Leverkusen's first-ever Bundesliga title in his first senior managerial role, guiding Die Werkself to an unbeaten campaign in 2023-24.
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