Ten Hag Prepares Bayer Leverkusen for Transformation without 'Magic'

Leverkusen, Germany (Aug 14, AP) - Erik ten Hag has emphasized that he cannot wield "Harry Potter-style magic" to instantly transform Bayer Leverkusen into a cohesive unit. The former Manchester United manager is gearing up for his inaugural match at the helm.

Ten Hag steps into his first role since departing from United, tasked with the significant overhaul of Leverkusen following the exit of former manager Xabi Alonso. The absence of key players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka adds to the challenge.

"I understand how to manage processes, and the process cannot be rushed. It’s simply impossible. No one can just wave a wand like Harry Potter," Ten Hag commented on Thursday, ahead of his team's debut against fourth-tier club Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the German Cup.

"Harry might be able to quickly construct a successful team, but that's not how top-level football operates." The Harry Potter analogy is not new for Ten Hag, having been used previously during his time with United.

Following a defeat to Liverpool in September 2024, Ten Hag noted he couldn’t perform magic akin to Harry Potter, expressing the difficulties of utilizing players with limited game time. Just under two months later, he was dismissed by United after four defeats in nine Premier League clashes.

At Leverkusen, Ten Hag stressed the importance of hard work throughout the first part of the season and into spring to enable the team to compete for trophies at the season's conclusion.

"For me, the genuine start of the season is in mid-March or April 1. By then, you must be in a position to secure victories,” he stated. “Until that point, we all need to work incredibly hard to reach that stage, to evolve the game model, and to enhance the team as well as the individual talent."

Ahead of Friday’s match, new acquisitions include American attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, who Ten Hag indicated is currently unfit to play, along with ex-Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Leverkusen has confirmed midfielder Robert Andrich as captain following goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky’s departure to Monaco. (AP)

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