Erik ten Hag's Reign When Bayer Leverkusen manager started in the disastrous way with a defeat on the opening day of the Bundesliga season.
Ten Hag was dismissed last October by Manchester United after only three victories of their opening of nine games of the season.
The Dutchman was appointed by Leverkusen in May as the successor of Xabi Alonso, who left to take the lead at Real Madrid. They are big boots to fill – Alonso led them to an unbeaten domestic double in the 2023-24 season.
Star Player Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Granit Xhaka are more than half a dozen important players who left in the summer.
The first competitive outing of ten hag changed in one day to forget when Leverkusen dropped to a 2-1 home defeat against Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim struck the pole through Tim Lemperle after two minutes, but Leverkusen first scored when Jarell Quansah was ahead of the sixth minute.
The defender then paid tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota by simulating his trademark celebration.
Fisnik Asllani, however, took a 25th minute equalizer after beating keeper Mark Flekken.
And it got worse for the hosts seven minutes after the restart when Lemperle drilled in a low shot of 22 meters seven minutes after the break.
Leverkusen did not get a large part of the second half until Nathan Tella shot in the side.
“It is clear that I am disappointed,” Ten Hag said. 'It was a game of few opportunities and Hoffenheim was more effective.
We didn't come in the last third part of the field often enough. We don't pay attention twice and we have admitted a goal.
'We have a lot of work for us, which is not unexpected. From my experience it can take some time. But we must remain calm and continue to work. '