Erik ten Hag’s managerial debut with Bayer Leverkusen got off to a shocking and humbling start as his side succumbed to a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Flamengo U20 in a pre-season friendly match in Rio de Janeiro. What was expected to be a gentle tune-up for the Bundesliga outfit turned into a wake-up call, especially for the Dutch tactician, who was managing his first game since parting ways with Manchester United at the end of the 2024/25 season.
A New Era Begins in Disarray
Following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, Bayer Leverkusen moved swiftly to appoint Ten Hag, hoping the Dutchman would replicate the kind of tactical precision and youth development success he achieved at Ajax. However, if this first match is anything to go by, Leverkusen’s pre-season preparations may be more difficult than anticipated.
Ten Hag’s first task was to evaluate the fitness and adaptability of his players to his preferred positional play and high pressing system. But from the first whistle, it became apparent that the Leverkusen squad was far from ready to execute his vision.
Facing Flamengo’s U20 team—a squad brimming with hungry, technically gifted Brazilian talents—Leverkusen’s backline appeared disoriented and uncoordinated. Ten Hag, who opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, was frequently seen gesturing from the touchline, visibly frustrated as Flamengo’s youngsters danced past his players.
First-Half Domination by Flamengo
The opening goal arrived in the 11th minute. Flamengo’s attacking midfielder, João Pedro, sliced through the heart of Leverkusen’s midfield before laying the ball off to winger Lucas Gabriel, who calmly slotted it past backup keeper Niklas Lomb. Ten Hag, opting to rest regular starter Lukas Hradecky, paid for the gamble early.
The second goal came just ten minutes later. After a failed attempt to play out from the back, Leverkusen center-back Odilon Kossounou was dispossessed by the energetic Matheus França. The forward needed no second invitation, rifling a shot from 20 yards that crashed into the bottom corner.
Flamengo’s third arrived via a well-worked corner routine in the 32nd minute. Defender Davi Rodrigues leapt unmarked at the near post to head the ball past a static defense. Ten Hag’s bench looked shell-shocked as Flamengo U20 raced into a 3-0 lead in under 35 minutes.
The German side managed to reduce the deficit before halftime, as Amine Adli bundled home a loose ball in the 41st minute following a rare attacking surge by Leverkusen. The goal seemed to momentarily lift spirits in the visiting dugout.
Second-Half Collapse
If Ten Hag hoped for a turnaround after the break, his players failed to deliver. Flamengo’s fourth goal was a result of incisive counter-attacking play. After a misplaced pass from Leverkusen’s Charles Aránguiz, Flamengo’s U20 side surged forward. João Pedro, once again instrumental, threaded a sublime through-ball to substitute striker Felipe Nascimento, who calmly chipped it over the onrushing Lomb.
The fifth and final goal came in the 79th minute, as Leverkusen’s high defensive line was caught napping. A long ball over the top found winger Caio César in acres of space, and with just Lomb to beat, he made no mistake.
Ten Hag could be seen in deep conversation with his coaching staff afterward, likely taking notes on the glaring defensive issues that plagued his team throughout the 90 minutes.
Ten Hag Reacts “Not the Result We Wanted, But a Learning Moment”
Speaking to reporters after the game, Ten Hag was composed but clearly disappointed.
“Of course, this is not the result we wanted. But it’s part of the process. We are implementing new ideas, and it takes time. Flamengo’s youngsters played with incredible intensity and technical quality. They deserved the win,” said the 55-year-old Dutchman.
“There were some positives. We saw where the gaps are in our system and who is ready to adapt quickly. This kind of test in preseason is valuable. We’ll build on this.”
Ten Hag also mentioned that several first-team players were being gradually integrated into training and that fans should expect a much stronger side for the next friendly match against Vasco da Gama.
Questions Over Leverkusen’s Readiness
While it is premature to judge Ten Hag’s future at Leverkusen based on a preseason friendly, the manner of the defeat—especially to a youth team—has sparked debate among fans and pundits.
Social media was rife with reactions, with many Leverkusen supporters urging patience, while others raised eyebrows at the decision to allow so many regular starters to sit out the match.
One concern that emerged was the physical sharpness—or lack thereof—of the Leverkusen players. Flamengo’s U20 team appeared quicker, more coordinated, and significantly more aggressive. The lack of cohesion in pressing and poor decision-making at the back mirrored some of the same problems Ten Hag faced during his final months at Manchester United.
Brazilian Media Praise Flamengo’s Development System
On the flip side, Brazilian media celebrated Flamengo U20’s victory as a testament to their academy’s excellence. Outlets such as Globo Esporte and Lance! praised the seamless attacking play and maturity of players who had barely turned 20.
“It wasn’t just that Flamengo U20 beat a European team—it was how they did it,” wrote one columnist. “There was control, flair, and purpose in every attack. João Pedro and Matheus França look ready to make the senior jump.”
There are now rumors that some scouts from European clubs present at the game have taken note of the young talents, with potential offers expected before the summer transfer window closes.
What This Means for Ten Hag’s Tenure
Although the match will ultimately be forgotten in the grand scheme of Ten Hag’s tenure, it may serve as a critical data point for evaluating his plans for Leverkusen. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities, the disconnect in midfield, and the unfamiliarity with Ten Hag’s demanding tactics suggest that significant work remains before the Bundesliga season kicks off.
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro, in a brief post-match interview, stood by the new coach.
“This was a preseason test. Erik [ten Hag] has our full backing. He’s a top professional, and we believe in the project,” said Carro.
Supporters will now look ahead to upcoming friendlies, where they hope to see the tactical identity begin to take shape and some of the team’s regulars return to the starting XI.
Tactical Overhaul Underway
One of Ten Hag’s main challenges will be implementing a more possession-based, structured buildup approach—contrasting with Leverkusen’s counter-attacking style under Alonso. This requires buy-in from every squad member, particularly defenders and central midfielders, who must improve their composure on the ball and understanding of spacing.
The Dutch coach will also need to integrate new signings, if any, and work closely with the club’s sporting director to address key gaps. The left-back position, midfield depth, and an additional striker are reportedly high on the priority list.
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