One of Bayer Leverkusen’s stars have launched a defence of Erik ten Hag and claimed that ‘people are short-sighted’ about the ex-Manchester United manager.
Erik ten Hag departed Manchester United in October last year following a disappointing start to his third season in charge of the club.
The Dutch manager had previously brought success to Old Trafford, guiding the team to a Carabao Cup victory in his first season and securing the FA Cup shortly before his departure. He was eventually replaced by Ruben Amorim.
Since leaving United, Ten Hag had remained out of management, despite being linked with various roles throughout the 2024/25 campaign. He chose to bide his time and wait until the summer to return to the touchline.
It was recently announced that Ten Hag will take over as manager of Bayer Leverkusen, succeeding Xabi Alonso, who has moved on to manage Real Madrid.
Leverkusen claimed the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season but were overtaken by Bayern Munich in the most recent campaign, finishing second. Ten Hag now takes on a significant challenge to try and deal with some high profile exits at the German club.
Leverkusen star launches defence of Ten Hag
Despite winning two trophies at Old Trafford, Ten Hag left the club with his reputation in question – many were critical about his playstyle and signings.
Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella has come to the defence of his new boss in an interview with Flashscore.com this week.
The winger has expressed his excitement about working with the Dutchman while also suggesting that fans should consider his successes at both United and Ajax rather than focusing on his difficult spells at Old Trafford.
“I’m looking forward to it (playing for Ten Hag) a lot. I think he is a very good manager,” Tella said.
“I know, obviously, people are short-sighted and look at only what he’s done at Man United, but people forget he’s won two trophies with them, and what he did with Ajax.”
Ten Hag can help United with transfers
Ten Hag will have an important first summer window at Leverkusen and he will have cash to spend after receiving over £150 million through the sales of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.
There are suggestions that the ex-United boss could come in for some of his ex-players, with both Alejandro Garnacho and Antony linked with Leverkusen moves.
Read More: What Erik ten Hag said about Bayer Leverkusen transfer plans amid links to Manchester United duo
It would certainly be beneficial to United if the Dutchman convinces his new side to take on a player or two – with sales being crucial for the club signing a striker and midfielder in the coming months.
As it stands, though, the rumours surrounding Ten Hag signing any of his ex-players at Old Trafford are premature.
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