Bayer Leverkusen managing director Fernando Carro has admitted the club made a mistake in hiring Erik Ten Hag, but insists parting ways after just two matches was the right decision.
Ten Hag’s short Bundesliga return ended with back-to-back defeats to Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen, prompting Leverkusen to act swiftly. He has since been replaced by Kasper Hjulmand, the former Denmark national team coach, who led the team to a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in his debut.
Carro told Bild Sport:
“I would clearly describe this as a mistake on our part. Nevertheless, such things can happen. Anyone who makes personnel decisions knows that. It’s annoying, but a normal matter that we handled professionally.”
Reports in Germany suggested tensions over Ten Hag’s push for transfers tied to his agency, while his tactics and inability to lift squad morale deepened concerns. Ten Hag, however, blamed his struggles on a squad overhaul during the summer, with several key departures and new arrivals still adjusting.
Carro stood firm, saying:
“When a mistake is made, you have to react in a timely manner.”
Leverkusen’s victory under Hjulmand lifted spirits, with Alejandro Grimaldo stealing the spotlight by scoring two direct free kicks, despite red cards for Robert Andrich and Equi Fernandez.
Next, Leverkusen turn their focus to the Champions League, where they face Copenhagen on September 18. Hjulmand will be tasked with stabilizing the squad and proving the club’s swift decision was justified.
