Erik ten Hag’s highly anticipated return to football management with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen has been anything but a smooth transition, as the former Manchester United boss confronts immediate tactical dilemmas. Inheriting a squad fresh off a historic league triumph under Xabi Alonso, Ten Hag’s initial attempts to instigate wholesale changes to the playing philosophy appear destined for a significant re-evaluation. The challenge lies in imposing his signature style while respecting the foundations of recent success.
The foundation for Leverkusen’s 2024 Bundesliga title was laid by Xabi Alonso’s highly effective three-at-the-back system, which consistently reaped rewards and became synonymous with the club’s dominant run. This tactical blueprint not only brought unprecedented glory but also cultivated a distinct playing identity that resonated with both players and fans. Ten Hag now finds himself at a crossroads, needing to navigate the legacy of a successful predecessor.
Throughout his managerial career, including his impactful tenure at Ajax and his time with Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has predominantly favored a four-at-the-back formation, a system that brought him considerable success, including reaching the Champions League semi-finals and securing domestic cup victories. This deep-rooted tactical preference now clashes directly with the established and championship-winning approach at Bayer Leverkusen, creating an immediate test of his adaptability.
Adding to the complexity, Ten Hag has been forced into an unexpected rebuilding phase following the departure of several pivotal players who were integral to Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign. Key figures such as Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah were among the first to secure moves away, with the highly influential Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka subsequently following suit, leaving significant voids that demand immediate attention in the transfer market and on the training pitch. These player transfers have been a major factor.
The early signs from pre-season have underscored the scale of the challenge for the new manager. After an initial setback in his first friendly fixture, Ten Hag’s squad did manage to secure a confidence-boosting victory over Bochum on Sunday. However, these early matches have reportedly highlighted the ongoing struggle to seamlessly implement his preferred four-man defense, suggesting that a pragmatic approach might be necessary as the new season draws closer.
As the Bundesliga campaign looms, growing indications suggest that Erik ten Hag may find himself compelled to adopt a more familiar system to the current squad, with a return to an Alonso-style back three appearing increasingly inevitable. This tactical shift, while potentially an “U-turn” from his usual methods, could represent a pragmatic decision aimed at maximizing the team’s immediate potential and leveraging the players’ existing familiarity with a successful formation.
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, a crucial component of Alonso’s title-winning squad, has expressed profound satisfaction upon his return, stating, “I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have.” His comments underscore the positive atmosphere and high expectations surrounding the club’s continued success, even amidst managerial changes and player movement.
To bolster his squad, Ten Hag has overseen the arrival of several new faces, including former Premier League talents Jarell Quansah and Mark Flekken, both of whom debuted in the recent win over Bochum. Further reinforcing the team are new arrivals Ibrahim Maza and Christian Kofane, alongside a significant £30 million investment in United States international Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven, demonstrating the club’s commitment to strengthening for the challenges ahead.
Malik Tillman, previously on loan at Rangers, highlighted Leverkusen’s growing appeal, remarking, “This club has always played great football. But in the last four or five years Leverkusen have grown enormously and become attractive to a lot of players throughout Europe.” His sentiment reflects the club’s elevated status, transforming it into a desirable destination for top talent, which will undoubtedly aid Ten Hag in navigating this challenging start to his “Football Management” tenure.
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