The reasons behind Erik ten Hag's extraordinary sacking after just two league matches with Bayer Leverkusen have come to light.
The former Man United boss was astounded to be given his marching orders by the club only three games into his tenure, reacting with a powerful statement calling the move 'unprecedented'.
Leverkusen were held to a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen at the weekend, squandering a two-goal lead against 10 men and conceding a 94th-minute equaliser.
Club bosses wielded the axe, dismissing the manager.
According to the Athletic, there was already a disconnect between Leverkusen's players and their new boss.
They report that the group, stripped of many of the stars who led them to an incredible Bundesliga and German Cup double two years ago, reacted badly to the change in training and communication compared to Xabi Alonso.
The disharmony dates right back to pre-season and has built over recent weeks.
After the game against Bremen, Ten Hag savaged the team in the dressing room, telling them they played like 'boys, not men' and should be 'embarrassed'.
Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rofles said: 'Nobody wanted to take this step, however, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible.
'We simply had the feeling that things were going in the wrong direction. Before we arrive at that wrong destination, we decided to make the decision now — during the international break, at an early stage.'
Ten Hag took charge of just one home game, a 2-1 defeat by Hoffenheim in their opening league fixture. A week earlier, Ten Hag's side beat fourth-tier opponents Sonnenhof Grossaspach 4-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal before the Bremen disappointment.
Issuing a response to his stunning dismissal via the SEG agency, Ten Hag did not pull his punches.
His bombshell statement read: 'The decision by Bayer Leverkusen's management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.
'This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust.
'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.
'I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret.
'I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust. Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success.
'Finally, I would like to thank the Bayer Leverkusen supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff success for the remainder of the season.'
The former Man United and Ajax manager was bullish in his criticism of his own players on Saturday prior to being sacked, telling TV reporters: 'We have a new team and some of the players aren't at all fit enough to play.
'The team didn't function at all during the final stage of the game. That's just the way it is. They need to bring more intensity and get fitter in order to meet my standards.'
But the decision feels particularly harsh in light of the sweeping changes at the club this summer.
Stars including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, who joined Liverpool as well as captain Granit Xhaka, all left. Jonathan Tah and Lukas Hradecky also departed.
Leverkusen had been Ten Hag's first job since being dismissed by Manchester United last October.
He became the third former United manager to be sacked in the space of a week, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Besiktas and Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
sopbdemprz
1
I hate those genes for Manchester united uhmm🤣🤣🤣
saecelmnot
0
JijangaUtdfan
0
Stupid team embracing great managers ( man utd $ Leverkusen)
Aya67
0
So, United is not just a graveyard for players who have been successful at other clubs, but also for managers who have been successful at other clubs.
ariasenior
0
didn't he say bayern Munich era has come to an end
Yumikmnu
0
This is the problem with him, bossing everyone around him. A good coach knows his success hinges on his players' loyalty, so he befriends them in a professional way. Certain players won't allow you to do that, so there will be problems. I hope he learns something from this going forward.
Bubbcepsy
0
Every coach puts players in their place harshly every time team lost or draw even players like cr7 did it in juventus so that’s a piss poor argument he’s sack theirs more to it
Arjenrobben11
0
Now bring in Ole 🤣
gm11
0
Ten Hag needs to be more humble instead of being too egoistic inorder to win the trust and love of the players and the people he is guiding. A true leader does not only command or direct but also leads with an example by being humble and supportive.
He probably just fell out with people higher up in the club rather than the players
vatikloryz
1
i think thus auttyy should be ban. boring, repetitve, manipulate, negative story. seem like copypaste old story n mix it with one new headline.
Siwbep
1
Military style of management don’t work in football , in Ajax , might work as you have mostly young player ,once in MU and Bayer, you are dealing with star player and they don’t buy your style of management
Najimusalawudeen
2
same mistake he does at Manchester United German league will not tolerate this nonsense
cuceiklmot
0
Ten Hag needs to be more humble instead of being too egoistic inorder to win the trust and love of the players and the people he is guiding. A true leader does not only command or direct but also leads with an example by being humble and supportive.
You literally stated bros problem
Maubcptuyz
6
Not fair enough though after selling so many players
haocdimp
2
That's what happened with coach he think he's above everyone, hit too hard and now you're out of the game. The beautiful game. We have. Just remember what you done to most of the great place at Manchester United but you can't do it in Germany. They're too smart for your portrait coaching, they would have a job for you to sell newspaper that you good at.
Luzadkmruz
1
The player not support to u ten hag
Luzadkmruz
0
Ten hag u beard can cut ,so dirty
Daphoenix23
1
Former MAN UTD coaches getting sacked just at the beginning of the season says a lot about how thy handled our team…
Zuoabeimru
3
Ten Hag needs to be more humble instead of being too egoistic inorder to win the trust and love of the players and the people he is guiding. A true leader does not only command or direct but also leads with an example by being humble and supportive.