Granit Xhaka: Why Ex Arsenal Star Is Already ‘Annoyed’ With New Leverkusen Boss Erik ten Hag
- Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka was reportedly annoyed with his new coach, Erik ten Hag
- The Dutchman recently replaced Xabi Alonso at the club and reached out to the Swiss star three weeks after his appointment
- Xhaka has been linked with a move away from the club, especially considering Florian Wirtz left to join Liverpool
Granit Xhaka, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, is reportedly displeased with his new coach, former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Source: Getty Images
When did Erik ten Hag join Bayer Leverkusen?
Erik ten Hag was appointed as Bayer Leverkusen's head coach in May, shortly after the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. The Bundesliga side made an attempt to defend their title under Xabi Alonso but ultimately fell short.
As a result, the Spaniard joined Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who joined the Brazil national team.
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It is the Dutchman's first job since he was fired by Man United last October and will be tasked with leading them to another league title.
Alonso guided them to their first-ever Bundesliga crown in the 2023/24 campaign, but they relinquished it to Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen will play in next season's Champions League, and Erik ten Hag will be busy in the summer transfer market, especially after they lost their best player, Florian Wirtz, to Liverpool.
"Leverkusen are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the European elite," Ten Hag said. "I've come to Leverkusen to back up the ambitions that have grown in recent years. It's an appealing role to build something in this period of transition and develop an ambitious team."
Why is Granit Xhaka 'annoyed' with Erik ten Hag?
According to the German publication Bild via The Mirror, Erik ten Hag allowed the players some time and space before reaching out after a long and gruelling season.
Source: Getty Images
The report adds that Ten Hag's approach was not well received by some, including Xhaka. The Dutch tactician only reached out to the Swiss midfielder three weeks after his appointment.
He underscored Xhaka's importance to his project, but the lack of communication led him to question his future at the club.
Can Erik ten Hag bring Bundesliga back to Leverkusen?
Erik ten Hag won trophies in his two full seasons at Man United, and he will be under pressure to bring beautiful football and titles.
Leverkusen struggled in the Champions League last season, and they now face a big task reinvesting the funds they received from the Wirtz sale.
They finished 13 points behind Bayern Munich and need top signings to close that gap next season. Can he challenge Bayern?
Is Erik ten Hag eyeing Garnacho for Bayer Leverkusen?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Erik ten Hag could reunite with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony after taking charge at Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Ajax boss replaced Xabi Alonso at the club and is trying to bolster their attack, especially with Florian Wirtz joining Liverpool.
Garnacho thrived under Ten Hag and was recently told by his boss, Ruben Amorim, to find a new club.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
