Erik ten Hag has described his dismissal from Bayer Leverkusen as “unprecedented” and claimed he was “never” given the trust he needed after being sacked just three games into his tenure.

The former Manchester United boss signed a two-year deal in the summer to succeed Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid.

But Leverkusen’s management decided to act swiftly after a mixed start – a 4-0 DFB-Pokal win, a 2-1 league defeat to Hoffenheim, and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen in which they surrendered a two-goal lead.

In a statement via his agency SEG Football, Ten Hag expressed frustration at the decision: “To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.

“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play. Unfortunately, the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret.”

Leverkusen lost key players in the summer – Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz departed for Liverpool, while captain Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland – leaving Ten Hag with the task of rebuilding.

The Dutchman had previously been dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024, despite winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024.

Ten Hag thanked Leverkusen’s supporters in his statement, but concluded: “I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.”