Erik Ten Hag's Leverkusen Seeks Fresh Start Against Hoffenheim

Erik ten Hag press conference

Bayer Leverkusen hosts Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga opener, marking Erik Ten Hag's second competitive match in charge. Leverkusen looks to start the season strong under new coach.

Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Bayer Leverkusen is embarking on a new chapter after losing several key players and the talented coach Xabi Alonso, who departed for Real Madrid. With over half a dozen crucial team members leaving, including standout players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, who joined Liverpool, and skilled midfielder Granit Xhaka who joined Sunderland and Victor Boniface who is which on the verge of signing for AC Milan on loan, Ten Hag faces the challenge of rebuilding the team.

As the new manager, Ten Hag is tasked with reshaping Leverkusen's squad, which has undergone significant changes. The Dutch coach has expressed confidence in his ability to guide the team, despite acknowledging that the process will take time. Leverkusen's youthful and largely untested squad, featuring new arrivals like Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman, and Ernest Poku, will need further reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

A special day ahead for the new boss! ⚫️🔴#B04TSG | @CocaCola_De pic.twitter.com/FIuEYbOAFV

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 22, 2025

Ten Hag's priority is to weave his magic and stabilize the team, with ambitions to secure a Champions League spot, potentially win the German Cup, and perform well in Europe. According to Jurgen Klinsmann, Ten Hag has the knowledge, charisma, and capabilities to drive Leverkusen to success, but patience will be essential in this rebuilding phase. Leverkusen begins their title defense against Hoffenheim on Saturday, with the team looking to bounce back, especially after a turbulent summer with significant changes on and off the pitch.

Vital Challenges Ahead:

Rebuilding the Squad: Ten Hag needs to integrate new players and build team cohesion

Stopping the Talent Drain: Stabilizing the squad and preventing further key player departures

Adapting to Change: Guiding the team through significant changes while maintaining ambition and performance

By focusing on these areas, Ten Hag aims to lead Leverkusen to success and restore the team's competitive edge. 

Bayer Leverkusen is set to kick off their season with a home game against Hoffenheim on Saturday, marking Erik ten Hag's second competitive match at the helm. Ten Hag's team is riding high after a 4-0 win over lower-league Sonnenhof Großaspach in the German Cup first round last week.

”We did everything to be optimally prepared,” Ten Hag said confidently in a press conference, highlighting the team's strong preparation. He emphasized that the team's spirit is a key factor in their success, noting that “it has a lot to do with the team spirit. In the changing room the players are growing together.” This growing camaraderie is expected to play a significant role in their upcoming match against Hoffenheim.

Ten Hag's vision for Bayer Leverkusen involves dominant, attractive football that excites the fans. “I want to win and in a certain way: with dominant, attractive football that excites people,” he explained, underscoring his commitment to an offensive style of play. With a strong team spirit and a clear vision, Leverkusen is looking to make a statement in their opening match.

“A lot of players have stayed and they bring a specific culture. That remains. The new players have understood the club culture. I have had major overhauls in the past. That's the challenge.”

“It is good because it needed it. An era comes to an end at some point and this has happened here and we now start building a new era and we all are working very hard towards that every day,” he said.

Erik ten Hag is aware of the challenge that lies ahead as the successor to Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an impressive domestic league and Cup double in the 2023-24 season without suffering a single defeat. Despite this, Ten Hag is optimistic about his team's prospects, highlighting the strong blend of youthful energy and experienced players.

“We have young women but experienced ones as well. I think the mix is good,” Ten Hag said, emphasizing the team's balanced squad. With this combination, Leverkusen is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead and build on the foundations laid by Alonso.

Ten Hag's appointment marks a new era for Leverkusen, and he'll be looking to guide the team to success in the Bundesliga and European competitions. The team has undergone significant changes.

As Ten Hag takes the reins, he'll be focused on developing the team's chemistry and fine-tuning their strategy to achieve long-term success. Leverkusen's upcoming match against Hoffenheim will be a crucial test, with the team looking to make a strong statement under their new coach.

Set your alarms for Saturday! ⏰🌍#B04TSG pic.twitter.com/V4TjPUSnAz

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 22, 2025