A big change for Erik ten Hag! Bayer Leverkusen boss convinced to ditch his preferred system and copy Xabi Alonso's 'good system' after talks with sporting director

Ten Hag has abandoned his trusted back-four philosophy just weeks into his Leverkusen reign, embracing the 3-4-2-1 system made famous by former Leverkusen boss and now Real Madrid manager Alonso. Following strategic talks with sporting director Simon Rolfes, the Dutch coach has begun testing the Alonso setup in training, aiming to maintain tactical continuity in a squad still built around the Spaniard’s philosophy.

With key figures like Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz gone, the Dutchman must rebuild a new core without dismantling the structure that delivered Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title in 2023-24 under Alonso. Switching back to a 4-3-3 or signing traditional wingers like Raheem Sterling would have required major squad upheaval. Instead, Ten Hag has chosen to adapt and evolve, with squad versatility now a central part of his rebuild strategy.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted he nudged Ten Hag toward the three-at-the-back setup used under Alonso.

“I believe it's a good system. We have great stability in it and the players for it. It makes sense to put many of the players on the pitch,” he told BILD.

Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system evolved into one of the most fluid and devastating attacking setups in European football, which was also proved with the results. On paper, it resembled a 3-4-2-1, but in possession, it often became a 3-2-5, a formation designed to dominate territory, control tempo, and stretch opponents from side to side. At the base, a back three ensured defensive security and smooth build-up from deep while two midfielders acted as a double pivot ahead of the defence. The system's width came from the wing-backs, who constantly pushed high up the field.