'Unprecedented' - Ten Hag criticises Leverkusen sacking
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Bayer Leverkusen's decision to sack him after just two league matches in charge was "a complete surprise".
The 55-year-old was only appointed by the German club in the summer having been fired by United in October after two-and-a-half years in charge.
In a statement, Ten Hag criticised the club's management for not giving him the "time" or "space" to "implement his vision", calling his dismissal "unprecedented" and stating "this was never a relationship based on mutual trust".
The Dutchman is the third former United boss to be sacked in a week - after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed by Besiktas on Thursday and Jose Mourinho exited Fenerbahce on Friday.
It is the fastest sacking in Bundesliga history, breaking the previous record of five matches.
"The decision by Bayer Leverkusen this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a manager after just two league matches is unprecedented," said Ten Hag.
"This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust.
"A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.
