Are you 24 or older?

Help us verify your age by providing an honest response. This site contains gambling advertising for 24+.

Age-restricted content

You’re not old enough to view betting content. You’ll be redirected to the homepage.

alt
LiveTickets

This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission.

+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Explore Betting on GOAL
SV Werder Bremen v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - BundesligaGetty Images Sport
Chirayu Parmar

Real Madrid legend on Bayer Leverkusen's list of potential Erik ten Hag replacements alongside two ex-Borussia Dortmund coaches

Real Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen
Real Madrid Castilla
LaLiga
Bundesliga

Real Madrid legend Raul is among Bayer Leverkusen’s options to replace Erik ten Hag after the German side sacked the Dutch coach this week.

  • Raul strongly considered despite limited experience
  • Ten Hag dismissed after just three games in charge
  • Leverkusen directors drawing up a shortlist of replacements
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Ten Hag’s disastrous stint at Leverkusen ended after just three matches, with the club parting ways with the Dutch coach following a turbulent start to the campaign. His dismissal comes only months after being sacked by Manchester United, making it back-to-back failures for the 55-year-old. The Bundesliga side are now actively searching for a replacement, with Madrid legend Raul emerging as a surprise candidate, according to Marca.

  • Borussia Mönchengladbach v Borussia Dortmund - DFB Cup: Quarter FinalGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Die Werkself's title-winning 2023-24 season under Xabi Alonso raised expectations, and the swift collapse under Ten Hag has prompted the club to reassess their managerial strategy. While Los Blancos legend Raul lacks top-flight coaching experience, his pedigree as Madrid's Castilla coach and his strong reputation in Germany from his playing days at Schalke have made him an attractive option. Alongside him, ex-Borussia Dortmund bosses Edin Terzic and Marco Rose, both with solid Bundesliga resumes remain firmly in the frame. The club are determined not to rush the decision and repeat recent mistakes.

  • TELL ME MORE...

    Raul’s coaching journey has been closely tied to Madrid, where he guided the Castilla side and won the club’s first-ever UEFA Youth League title. Despite receiving approaches from other European teams in recent years, he has remained loyal to the Whites, waiting for the right opportunity. His Bundesliga past, however, gives him a unique edge in this race. Terzic, who led Dortmund to a DFB-Pokal title, and Rose, formerly of Leipzig and Dortmund, bring more direct top-level experience to the table.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

    Add as preferred source on Google
  • Raul LeverkusenIMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

    WHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

    Leverkusen are expected to finalise their decision after the international break, giving them time to carefully evaluate candidates. While Raul’s appointment would carry symbolic weight and international attention, Terzic and Rose remain strong alternatives. Whoever takes charge will face the immediate challenge of stabilising the squad and keeping pace in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.