After the upheaval in Leverkusen, they had also hoped for a favorable fixture schedule. The reality is a complete false start – Erik ten Hag (55), the first coach of the new Bundesliga season, is already in limbo after just two matchdays.
In the 3-3 draw in Bremen, the runners-up allowed victory to slip away despite being in the majority, and despite leading 3-1, they weren't playing confidently before the collapse. Captain Robert Andrich (30) is deeply concerned.
The national player draws a comparison to the horror start three years ago: "I've had a few flashbacks. A lot of things are coming together, and it all has to do with my own motivation."
At that time, Leverkusen suddenly found itself in 17th place after finishing third the previous season, and coach Gerardo Seoane (46/now Gladbach) had to make way for Xabi Alonso (43) at the beginning of October 2022. Now, a coaching change could be implemented much more quickly.
Only one point from the games against Hoffenheim and Bremen – Leverkusen is in crisis after the departure of Alonso and many top stars.
Ten Hag has so far failed – reshuffle or not – to give the team a face, contours, and structure. The fact that two double-winners, Patrik Schick (29) and Exequiel Palacios (26), argued on the pitch over who should take the penalty before the 3-1 goal shows that the Werkself are currently (still) completely leaderless.
Ten Hag has also failed to create a sense of optimism since taking office. Uncertainty has been palpable at the club for weeks. The bosses have long recognized the problems, especially since ten Hag has already lost a lot of credit internally.
The big question is: Will Leverkusen's managers admit that they were wrong about the coach, or will they continue to trust him with the task of building the team?
They'll only end the transfer window, they say. In other words: This week, discussions in Leverkusen are already turning to ten Hag's job.
The Dutchman is hoping for the impact of the new signings: "After the international break, there will be real competition. Then we have to perform as a team. That starts with taking responsibility and delivering individual performances. And they have to show me that they want to work together."
However, it seems completely unclear whether the coach will still be in office for the next league game against Frankfurt (September 12th).