Erik ten Hag says Xabi Alonso's exit triggered Leverkusen player exodus

Ten Hag blames Alonso exit for squad unrest

Erik ten Hag has reflected on his brief spell at Bayer Leverkusen, claiming that the departure of Xabi Alonso triggered a player exodus that complicated his job. The Dutchman was dismissed after just three competitive matches in the summer of 2025.

"When Alonso left, an era came to an end, so all the players wanted to leave. We fought to keep some of them, but they were no longer fully committed," ten Hag told The Athletic.

A major squad overhaul

Leverkusen underwent a major squad overhaul that summer, with 16 players arriving for around €199 million and 17 professionals leaving for approximately €231 million. Key figures from Alonso's title-winning team, including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Jeremie Frimpong, departed.

Several new signings arrived in the final days of the transfer window, leaving ten Hag little time to work with them before his dismissal.

"Some good signings arrived in the final days. I never worked with them. Three games, and then we went our separate ways," he explained.

The Garnacho pursuit

The former Manchester United manager also revealed that he tried to bring Alejandro Garnacho to Leverkusen. However, the Argentine winger chose to remain in England and joined Chelsea instead.

"I told him, 'Come to Leverkusen.' But fortunately, he didn't come. He wanted to stay in England. I understand that - it's the best league, so he turned us down," ten Hag said.

Dismissal after dropped lead

Leverkusen dismissed ten Hag following a 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, after his side squandered a two-goal lead despite playing with a numerical advantage.