Bayer Leverkusen targets Raúl González and other coaches after record departure of Erik ten Hag
Bayer Leverkusen is carefully weighing options for a new head coach following the shock dismissal of Erik ten Hag, who left after just three official matches the shortest tenure in Bundesliga history. According to Marca, Real Madrid legend Raúl González has emerged as one of the frontrunners on the club’s shortlist.
Raúl Among Four Candidates
Leverkusen’s board is analyzing four possible candidates:
- Raúl González, current Real Madrid Castilla coach
- Edin Terzic, Borussia Dortmund manager
- Marco Rose, in charge at RB Leipzig
- Matthias Jaissle, currently leading Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia
The German club intends to use the FIFA international break to evaluate profiles and avoid a rushed decision. The priority is to appoint a coach who not only restores domestic competitiveness but also ensures progress in continental competitions.
Raúl’s Bundesliga and Coaching Experience
Raúl is no stranger to German football. The Spanish striker played two seasons with Schalke 04, where he scored 40 goals and registered seven assists in 98 appearances. His coaching career began in 2018 with Real Madrid’s youth categories, eventually leading Real Castilla. His biggest achievement came in 2020, when he guided Real Madrid’s U-19s to their first-ever UEFA Youth League title.
For Leverkusen, Raúl represents both a symbolic and tactical option: a coach with deep ties to player development, much like Xabi Alonso, who led the club to the Bundesliga title in 2023/24.
Leverkusen’s Struggles Post-Championship
Despite winning the Bundesliga last season, Leverkusen’s start to the new campaign has been underwhelming. The team lost their opener against Hoffenheim and then squandered a 2-0 lead in a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen.
Their only success under Ten Hag came in the German Cup, defeating Grossaspach. With the international break, the club has until September 12, when they face Eintracht Frankfurt, to decide on the new head coach.
