Former Barcelona manager Xavi rejects Bayer Leverkusen after Erik ten Hag sacked

Xavi Hernández has turned down Bayer Leverkusen’s approach to replace Erik ten Hag. The German club announced the Dutchman’s dismissal on Monday (1) after just two Bundesliga matches and a turbulent preseason.

Xavi Says No to Bundesliga Offer

According to Marca, Bayer Leverkusen reached out to Xavi twice within the past week, but the Spanish coach declined both offers. The 44-year-old made it clear that he intends to take a break from management, focus on personal development, and refine his coaching methods before returning to the sidelines.

Leverkusen viewed Xavi as the ideal candidate to stabilize the team following Ten Hag’s disastrous start. The board’s quick approach underscores their urgency to restore direction after a poor opening to the season.

Erik ten Hag’s Short-Lived Spell at Leverkusen

Hired just two months ago, Ten Hag arrived in Germany tasked with following Xabi Alonso’s historic Bundesliga title campaign. The challenge quickly became overwhelming.

• Key departures: Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka all left the squad.
• Massive overhaul: Leverkusen brought in nearly 15 new signings to rebuild.
• Preseason struggles: Wins against Bochum, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Pisa were overshadowed by a 5-1 humiliation against Flamengo U-20 and a defeat to Chelsea.

When the Bundesliga kicked off, Leverkusen lost 2-1 to Hoffenheim and drew 3-3 with Werder Bremen, despite playing much of the second half with a numerical advantage. After just two league matches, the board decided to part ways with Ten Hag.

A Pattern Among Former Manchester United Coaches

Ten Hag’s dismissal follows a trend of recent sackings involving former Manchester United managers. Within just four days:

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was released by Besiktas.
• José Mourinho was dismissed from Fenerbahçe.
• Erik ten Hag was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen.

The trio’s rapid exits have reignited debate about the post-United curse affecting managers who once led the Premier League giants.