Katlego Sekhu

German football club Bayer 04 Leverkusen have confirmed the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new head coach.
The 55-year-old Dutchman has signed a contract that will run until 30 June 2027 and will officially begin his tenure on 1 July, ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ten Hag, who previously managed Manchester United and Ajax, expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his coaching career.
“Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe,” he said.
“The club offers outstanding conditions, and I’ve been very impressed with the conversations I’ve had with management.”
He added that he is eager to build on the club’s recent momentum:
“I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to create something together during this period of change and to develop an ambitious team.”
Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04’s sporting managing director, believes ten Hag is the ideal successor to Xabi Alonso, who led the club to great success during his time in charge.
“With Erik ten Hag, we have brought in an experienced coach with an impressive record of success on the pitch,” said Rolfes.
“His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional. With three league titles and two domestic cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.”
Rolfes also highlighted ten Hag’s time at Manchester United, where he managed under challenging circumstances:
“Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach during his time at Manchester United. Our ideas of football align — we want to continue playing technically demanding and dominant football in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.”
Ten Hag’s arrival marks a new era for Bayer 04, as the club looks to maintain its status as a domestic and European force.
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