Coaching Earthquake in Leverkusen – Why the Dismissal Was Inevitable

Two games, one point, pure chaos – and Erik ten Hag is already gone. If you know Bayer 04, you know we love to reinvent ourselves, sometimes faster than you can say “championship coach.” And yet, as much as I would have ranted about such an early sacking at first, it has become crystal clear: this one was inevitable.

The performances against Hoffenheim and Bremen weren’t just weak, they were alarming. No structure, no unity, no recognizable plan. Instead of a Werkself ready to build on past strengths, we saw a team stumbling aimlessly across the pitch. Captain Andrich nailed it after the 3-3 draw: “Everyone played for themselves.” That’s not “transition phase” talk – that’s a breakdown. And a club with Bayer’s ambitions simply can’t afford that, especially after the biggest squad overhaul in its history.

What’s truly remarkable: Simon Rolfes immediately stepped up, took the blame on his shoulders, and admitted that hiring ten Hag was a mistake. That kind of honesty is rare in football – and it actually makes Rolfes more likeable in this crisis. No excuses, no hiding, just straight talk. Exactly what you want from a sporting director when things go wrong.

Yes, it’s bitter. Yes, it feels insane to be searching for a new coach after just two matches. But anyone who watched the mess in Bremen knows: this wasn’t going to work out. Better to pull the plug now than lose sight of every goal in a few months’ time.

And us fans? Once again, we’re stuck in that eternal Bayer paradox: too smart to be naïve, too chaotic to ever have it easy. But let’s be honest – isn’t that exactly why we love this club?