Former Manchester United boss Eric Ten Hag has returned to management with Bayer Leberkusen, but he hasn’t had all his own way of doing things as he is preparing for his first season in charge.
Attempts to introduce wholesale changes at Bayer Leverkusen by Erik Ten Hag seem to have to wait. The former Manchester United boss has taken over from Bayarena’s Xabi Alonso, but it’s instantly difficult to make tactical changes.
Leverkusen won Bundesliga in 2024 by getting paid for Alonso’s three back approach. Ten Hag’s preferences throughout his career have been to the back four. This is an approach that helped them reach the semi-finals of the Ajax and Champions League and win two domestic cups at United, but things have proven more tricky in Germany.
It didn’t help that 10 HAG was forced to rebuild after losing some major players. Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah were the first to stop moving after Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka following the lawsuit.
After a humble defeat to the Flamengo Under 20 side in his first pre-season match, the 10 hugs won over Bokum on Sunday. However, with a new season approaching, an Alonso-style return to the back three looks inevitable.
Sports Director Simon Rolfs tweaked 10 hugs and conversations, telling the Build:
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One of Alonso’s key signatures ahead of the 2023-24 title campaign, Swiss midfielder Xhaka has returned to the Premier League along with Sunderland. “I’m extremely proud to be here. When I spoke to the club, I was excited and felt the energy and the mentality that all people and players have,” the former Arsenal star said.
“It’s exactly what I wanted and I have a very good feeling. We’re back where this club is needed and we want to stay here to write our own history.
Ten Hag has brought many new faces, including former Premier League stars Jarell Quansah and Mark Flekken. Quansah made his debut with a weekend victory over Bochum, making his debut, as did fellow new arrivals Ibrahim Maza and Christian Kofane.
Leverkusen also spent £30 million on Malik Tillman, with US International participating from PSV Aindhoven. “The club has always played great football. However, over the past four or five years, Leverkusen has grown and become very attractive to many players across Europe,” the former Rangers lender said.
“I want to win something. That’s my purpose in Glasgow and Eindhoven, and that remains my purpose here.”
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