Bayer Leverkusen managing director Fernando Carro admitted the club made a mistake in hiring Erik ten Hag, but claims they reacted in a timely manner by sacking the Dutch coach after just two matches. That was followed by the appointment of former Denmark national team manager Kasper Hjulmand, who guided Leverkusen to a 3-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in his first game in charge.
Leverkusen's brutal start under Ten Hag
Ten Hag was sacked after disappointing performances against league rivals Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen. The sacking of the Dutch manager came as a shock, but managing director Carro says the club were right to let him go, reiterating the sentiments of sporting director Simon Rolfes. Reportedly, the club were furious about Ten Hag pushing to sign players from his agency, and they further argued that the coach's tactics and handling of the dressing room didn't inspire confidence in them.
For his part, Ten Hag blamed his early exit on the extensive overhaul the Bundesliga team has undergone, with a host of star players leaving and many new faces being added to the squad.
AdvertisementgettyLeverkusen managing director calls Ten hag's signing a mistake
In an interview with the program, managing director Carro spoke about sacking Ten Hag, saying: "I would clearly describe this as a mistake on our part. Nevertheless, such things can happen. Anyone who makes personnel decisions knows that. It's annoying, but a normal matter that we handled professionally. It's nothing serious. When a mistake is made, you have to react in a timely manner."
Nine-man Leverkusen beat Eintracht Frankfurt
Leverkusen sealed their first win of the season under new boss Hjulmand on Saturday. The German team saw two red cards handed out to midfielder Robert Andrich in the 59th minute and Equi Fernandez in the dying minutes of the game. Left wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo was named the man of the match as he scored two direct free kicks.
Getty Images SportLeverkusen to kick off their Champions League campaign next
Bayer will now be flying to Denmark to face Copenhagen in their opening fixture of the Champions League on September 18.