Bayer Leverkusen’s start under Ten Hag has been chaotic, with Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Werder Bremen – during which they conceded two late goals to ten men – only adding to the unrest. Reports from kicker claimed the club already had doubts about the Dutchman before matchday two, and the mood around the BayArena has since turned ‘critical’. Amid this speculation, neither sporting director Simon Rolfes nor club management have offered Ten Hag any public support.
The silence from the board is being seen as a major red flag for Ten Hag. Without a public vote of confidence for Rolfes and Co, his authority in the dressing room looks increasingly fragile. If the bosses already feel they made a mistake, sacking him so early would be a dramatic but telling decision.
Before the Werder Bremen draw, Rolfes notably declined to back Ten Hag on live television. After the match, Leverkusen officials again avoided making any comment about their coach’s future. The club has only stated they will reassess the situation after the transfer window shuts, leaving Ten Hag in limbo.
Leverkusen’s hierarchy will decide on Ten Hag’s position once the transfer deadline closes on Monday evening. If results and performances do not improve quickly, a change in the dugout appears inevitable. The Dutchman is running out of time to convince the bosses he is the right man to lead the Werkself.