Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro Admits Ten Hag’s Appointment Was a Mistake

Key Takeaways:

• Erik ten Hag was dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after a loss and a draw in his opening two Bundesliga fixtures
• Kasper Hjulmand was appointed as Ten Hag’s successor and began with a 3:1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday
• Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro admitted the managerial appointment was a mistake and resulted in the earliest coaching change in Bundesliga history

Managerial Change After Disappointing Start

Bayer Leverkusen’s Chief Executive Officer, Fernando Carro, confirmed the club’s decision to part ways with head coach Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga matches, describing the appointment as a mistake. Ten Hag, who took charge during the summer, departed following one defeat and one draw at the start of the league campaign. Carro emphasised that the timing was wrong and that, despite Ten Hag’s qualities, the arrangement failed to deliver the desired results for the club.

Fernando Carro on Erik ten Hag: "It could be [called] a misunderstanding. I would say that [appointing him] was clearly a mistake by us. And that's not a bad thing. If you have to make decisions, and we all like to make decisions. And we made a decision together with Simon… pic.twitter.com/ior7PqlWum

— WerkselfXtra (@bayer04Xtra) September 14, 2025

Carro Reflects on Ten Hag’s Short Tenure

Carro addressed the topic during an appearance on Bild’s television programme on Sunday, acknowledging that the club had swiftly corrected the error in their managerial appointment. He further remarked on the normalcy of mistakes in football and the importance of decisive action, reiterating the need to react promptly when a decision does not go as planned.

Bundesliga’s Quickest Coaching Change

Erik ten Hag’s swift departure marks the earliest managerial change in Bundesliga history. In response, Bayer Leverkusen appointed Kasper Hjulmand as head coach. Hjulmand made an immediate impact, securing a 3:1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday in his debut match with the team.

Carro Focuses on Moving Forward

Reflecting on Hjulmand’s winning start, Carro highlighted the sense of rejuvenation within the squad but expressed disappointment over the five points dropped in the season’s opening two fixtures. The club now looks to capitalise on their positive momentum under their new manager.