In the often unpredictable world of pre-season football, results can, and frequently do, deviate wildly from expectations. Yet, a 5-1 thrashing, even in a friendly, against a youth team, tends to raise an eyebrow or two. This was precisely the scenario faced by Bayer Leverkusen under their newly appointed head coach, Erik ten Hag, in their recent encounter with Flamengo`s promising young talents. The scoreline, a rather emphatic 5-1 in favor of the Brazilian youngsters, prompted a public address from the Dutchman, whose reaction was, characteristically, a blend of pragmatism and a subtle hint of professional disdain for such a lopsided defeat.
The Pre-Season Paradox: Results vs. Readiness
“The result is bad, but frankly, I don`t care about results in the pre-season preparation process,” Ten Hag stated, as quoted by Bild. This declaration, while seemingly dismissive, underpins a widely held philosophy among top-tier managers: pre-season is a laboratory, not a battleground. It`s a period for tactical experimentation, physical conditioning, and integrating new ideas, far removed from the cut-throat competition of league play.
However, even a seasoned pragmatist has limits. “Of course, we should never lose by such a score,” he conceded, a statement that subtly acknowledges the inherent professional pride that even pre-season can`t fully extinguish. Losing 5-1, regardless of the stakes, registers on the mental scoreboard. It’s a statistic that, while perhaps strategically ignored, won`t be entirely forgotten.
Injury Concerns: The Top Priority
For Ten Hag, the primary objective during this early phase of preparation was unequivocally clear: “For me, it was important not to lose a single player.” In a sport where a single injury can derail a player`s season or a team`s campaign, safeguarding the squad`s physical well-being takes precedence over any friendly match result. The financial and strategic implications of a key player sidelined are far more significant than a pre-season loss, no matter how embarrassing the margin. This focus on player health over immediate performance is a hallmark of meticulous coaching. His additional remark, “It would have been better to play the match later,” suggests a recognition that his squad might not have been at the optimal physical or tactical readiness for such a demanding fixture at that specific juncture, further reinforcing the `preparation` aspect of pre-season.
A New Chapter: From Manchester to Leverkusen
This friendly marked Ten Hag`s inaugural match at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, a tenure that officially began on July 1st. His arrival follows a high-profile stint at Manchester United, where he navigated the choppy waters of the Premier League. The transition to the Bundesliga represents a fresh challenge and an opportunity to implement his distinctive footballing philosophy in a new environment. Taking over a team, especially one with new players and returning internationals, requires time, patience, and precisely the kind of low-stakes experimentation that pre-season friendlies offer.
Beyond the Friendly: The Road Ahead
While the 5-1 scoreline might serve as a momentary talking point, the real test for Ten Hag and his Bayer Leverkusen squad awaits on August 23rd, when they kick off their 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign against Hoffenheim. It is in these competitive fixtures that Ten Hag`s true impact will be measured, and where results transcend mere preparation to become the currency of success. The pre-season friendly, despite its unexpected outcome, will likely be viewed by the coaching staff as a valuable, albeit humbling, learning experience – a stark reminder that even the most meticulous plans can sometimes encounter an early, spirited challenge.
