Erik ten Hag has been officially announced as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen.
The 55-year-old Dutchman takes over from Xabi Alonso, who has departed to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid boss.
Ten Hag had been without a job since his departure from Manchester United in October, ending his seven-month hiatus from football management.
Despite reportedly receiving approaches from several clubs, including his former team Ajax, Ten Hag has committed to the German side.
Erik Ten Hag has signed a two-year contract in Germany
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The former United manager signed a two-year deal with Bayer Leverkusen last week, which will keep him at the club until June 2027.
Upon his arrival, Ten Hag expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, saying: "Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.
"The club offers outstanding conditions, I've been very impressed with the discussions of the management. I've come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years.
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Erik Ten Hag is replacing Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen
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"It's an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team."
Bayer Leverkusen's sporting managing director Simon Rolfes welcomed Ten Hag's appointment, highlighting his impressive track record.
"With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional," Rolfes said.
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"With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.
"And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times."
Rolfes also emphasised their shared football philosophy: "Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style."
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Erik Ten Hag was described as an 'exceptional' coach
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Ten Hag's move to Germany comes after his 30-month spell at Old Trafford ended in dismissal last October.
He left United with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League table, following a disappointing start to the 2023-24 campaign.
The situation at United did not improve after his departure, with the club finishing the season in 15th place following the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Their final position represented a significant decline from the previous season, with the team accumulating 18 fewer points than in the 2023-24 campaign.
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