Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager of Bayer Leverkusen began with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, despite his new side taking an early lead.
Leverkusen appeared to be on course for a winning start when former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, a recent £35 million signing, marked his debut with a goal in the sixth minute. Quansah, who joined the club last month, met an Alejandro Grimaldo free-kick with a powerful header into the bottom corner.
However, Hoffenheim responded in the second half. Fisnik Asllani equalised for the visitors by beating goalkeeper Mark Flekken at his near post before turning provider for Tim Lemperle, whose low finish sealed a comeback victory for Christian Ilzer’s side. The defeat is a tough start for a Leverkusen team that finished second in the Bundesliga last season, 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.