Erik ten Hag’s Troubling Debut as Bayer Leverkusen Manager After 5-1 Loss to Flamengo U-20s

The new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, Erik ten Hag, faced an ignoble start to his managerial tenure, suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat against Flamengo’s under-20 team in an early pre-season match in Brazil.

Ten Hag was appointed in May, taking over from Xabi Alonso, who led the team to an undefeated domestic double last season. His first match, played during the club’s tour in Rio, featured a strong lineup, including goalkeeper Mark Flekken and players Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface.

Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge ended in a heavy defeat in Rio

The match rapidly turned sour as Flamengo’s youth team scored twice in the first ten minutes, with a third goal coming shortly after. By halftime, the hosts had extended their lead to four goals. Despite early substitutions by Ten Hag, the deficit grew when Flamengo netted a fifth early in the second half.

Ten Hag responded by making wholesale changes around the 60th minute, introducing experienced players like Granit Xhaka and Patrick Schick in a bid to restore some pride. The club’s youngest player, Montrell Culbreath, scored a consolation goal in the 71st minute.

Flamengo’s under-20 side dominated the game from the start

This result marks a difficult start for ten Hag, who also faced early struggles in his previous role at Manchester United. Notably, Leverkusen are without key players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, both transferred to Liverpool for a combined fee of £145.5 million. The team will continue preparations with matches against Bochum, Fortuna Sittard, Pisa, and Chelsea.