Clean Transition from Alonso to Ten Hag?
Bayer Leverkusen look like making ready for all times after Xabi Alonso, with plans reportedly “very superior” for Erik ten Hag to take over on the BayArena. As per , Leverkusen’s contingency plan has quickly gained momentum with Alonso’s exit to Actual Madrid now seen as “just about settled”. The method is designed to keep away from turbulence and preserve the membership on a ahead trajectory.
Photograph by IMAGO
This could mark a exceptional shift for Ten Hag, who has been out of the sport since his “dismissal by Manchester United in late October”. Leverkusen’s ambition, nonetheless, suggests they’re not involved by his current dismissal, however as a substitute inspired by his broader CV.
Achievements Nonetheless Converse Volumes
Although his Previous Trafford tenure ended prematurely, Ten Hag is certainly one of solely six managers in United’s 147-year historical past to win a couple of main trophy. “Ten Hag nonetheless gained two trophies – an EFL Cup and FA Cup – in his two full seasons”, a feat that displays resilience amidst turmoil. His points at United had been structural as a lot as tactical, one thing his successor Ruben Amorim can be reportedly battling.
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Ten Hag’s credentials at Ajax stay his strongest pitch: three Eredivisie titles, two home cups and a Champions League semi-final that famously noticed off Actual Madrid and Juventus. The query is whether or not he can reignite that tactical spark in a extra steady, formidable setting.
German Roots and Acquainted Floor
Ten Hag’s Bundesliga return wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory. His time at Bayern Munich II, the place “Ten Hag’s aspect gained the Bavarian state league”, gave him expertise throughout the German footballing pyramid. He additionally coached at youth and assistant ranges, which might permit for a smoother adaptation than many overseas appointments.
Photograph: IMAGO
Leverkusen are presently second within the Bundesliga, and whereas they’ve dropped behind Bayern Munich, their intent to handle a clear handover from Alonso to Ten Hag is an indication of long-term pondering.
Well timed Revival or One other Gamble?
The attract of Ten Hag lies in his tactical readability and developmental eye. Leverkusen’s younger, proficient squad—a lot of whom have been moulded by Alonso’s imaginative and prescient—might discover a pure evolution underneath a coach who thrives in techniques and construction. But his critics will query whether or not a supervisor, freshly bruised from the Premier League, is able to step into one other high-pressure position.
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Nonetheless, the Kicker report alerts {that a} deal is “shut, if not already in settlement”. If confirmed, it will underline Leverkusen’s perception that Ten Hag is way from completed.
Our View – EPL Index AnalysisExcited Bundesliga Fan Response
There’s a buzz within the air on the BayArena—and rightly so. If Leverkusen actually are about to safe Erik ten Hag, it’s a daring however thrilling transfer that sends a message: this membership plans to remain on the high.
Positive, Ten Hag’s United stint ended with a whimper, however individuals overlook the context. A damaged recruitment system, damage crises, off-pitch drama—he nonetheless delivered two trophies in two years. What number of managers might’ve accomplished higher in that chaos?
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Leverkusen followers ought to be inspired. Ten Hag understands German soccer, having been a part of Bayern’s DNA, and he thrives when given time and management—one thing he’ll possible get extra of in Leverkusen’s well-run construction.
The fear, in fact, is whether or not the scars of Previous Trafford linger. However the upside? Large. With stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong within the squad, this could possibly be Ten Hag 2.0—extra measured, extra ruthless, extra profitable.
If this transfer is finalised, it gained’t simply soften Alonso’s departure. It might elevate Leverkusen into a brand new period of significant European competition.
