According to the German newspaper Bild, Ten Hag departed with a generous compensation package, including $5.8 million for contract termination and $1.2 million in salary for two months of service. In total, the Dutch coach was paid approximately $7 million for 60 days of work, averaging over $817,000 per week, far exceeding the earnings of many top global football players.

Erik ten Hag during a Leverkusen match in Germany, 2025-2026 season. Photo: Shutterstock

Leverkusen appointed Ten Hag on 26/5, with his contract effective from 1/7 and running until 2027. However, the 55-year-old coach's tenure in Germany lasted only 60 days before he was dismissed on 1/9. He led the team in three official matches, including two Bundesliga games, with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss.

The main reason for his dismissal stemmed from Ten Hag quickly losing the confidence of both the management and the dressing room. During the final stages of the summer transfer window, the club independently signed Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid without consulting the 55-year-old coach. This signaled that he no longer had a voice in shaping the squad.

Leverkusen had a disappointing start to the 2025-2026 Bundesliga season, losing 1-2 to Hoffenheim and then drawing 3-3 with Bremen. The team lacked cohesion, appearing disjointed and disorganized. After just two matches, Leverkusen's management decided to terminate the partnership. The announcement lacked even a word of thanks to Ten Hag.

Leverkusen admitted that appointing Ten Hag was a costly mistake. The club spent millions of dollars, only to gain one point after two Bundesliga rounds. Ten Hag's dismissal also marks the quickest firing in the league's history and one of the most wasteful decisions in German football.

Ten Hag stated his surprise at Leverkusen's decision. "There's no precedent for a team parting ways with a coach after just two matches in the national championship," he said in a statement. "Building a new team takes time and trust, but the management didn't give me that opportunity."

Following his departure from Leverkusen, Ten Hag's future remains uncertain. He led Ajax to three Dutch championships and the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. Later, he brought the FA Cup and League Cup to Manchester United. However, his ability to spot talent isn't highly regarded.

Ten Hag was dismissed from Manchester United on 28/10/2024, receiving $14 million in compensation. Including the settlement from Leverkusen, he has received $20 million solely from contract terminations.

Hoang An (via Bild)