Bayer Leverkusen headed down 'wrong path' with former manager Ten Hag, claims sporting director

Simon Rolfes, the sporting director at Bayer Leverkusen, stated on Thursday that it became obvious quite early that the team was heading in the "wrong direction" during Erik ten Hag's time as coach.

The former Manchester United manager ten Hag was dismissed last month following only two Bundesliga fixtures, marking the briefest tenure before a sacking in the competition's records.

In discussions with AFP and various outlets, Rolfes maintained that the challenging choice to remove the Dutch coach proved to be the correct one.

"When you sense that things are veering off course, it is wise not to delay until the issues fully materialise," he remarked.

"If the partnership is not working well, it is preferable to part ways."

Dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024, ten Hag agreed to a deal with Leverkusen running to 2027 in May, taking over from Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid.

Rolfes disclosed that he had a phone conversation with Alonso while ten Hag's position was deteriorating.

Leverkusen suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Flamengo's under-20 side in a pre-season match in Brazil, ten Hag's debut in the role.

"To put it mildly, that result was disappointing," Rolfes commented on the unexpected setback.

Ten Hag's pair of Bundesliga outings consisted of a loss at home to Hoffenheim and a 3-3 stalemate with 10-man Werder Bremen, even though they held a 3-1 lead with an extra player.

"Some adjustment period is necessary, yet the sense was that progress was not happening effectively. And improvement was not arriving swiftly.

"The head coach and support team must provide steadiness to the squad, and we lacked that sensation."

Rolfes noted that the club aimed "to act quickly on this choice", explaining that "typically, people hold out too long, hoping for poor performances to turn around".

Following ten Hag's exit, the side has avoided defeat, securing three victories and three draws across competitions, and rising to fifth spot in the Bundesliga.

'Dominant' Wirtz set to shine

Rolfes, aged 43, also supported ex-Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz in navigating his initial struggles at Liverpool, describing the shift away from the Bundesliga as the "proper move" for the player.

Since his arrival at the Reds for an upfront £100 million ($134 million), potentially increasing to £116 million, Wirtz has recorded zero goals and zero assists across nine Premier League and Champions League appearances.

Rolfes, who signed the German talent for Leverkusen in 2020, acknowledged that scrutiny is "simply part of the sport", while highlighting statistics indicating Wirtz has "generated the highest number of opportunities in the Premier League" post-transfer.

Rolfes linked Wirtz's challenges to Liverpool's broader situation.

"Florian thrives as a collective contributor. Currently, they are building a cohesive unit," Rolfes explained.

"Once the squad functions more unified and each member fulfils their duties, Florian's abilities will elevate.

"There is no question he will succeed and emerge as a truly commanding figure in football."