Erik ten Hag’s first recreation in command of Bayer Leverkusen resulted in humiliation as they have been thumped 5-1 by Flamengo’s Under-20 aspect.
Ten Hag changed Xabi Alonso in May following the Spaniard’s choice to take over at Real Madrid.
The former Manchester United boss will likely be hoping to emulate the success Alonso loved in his time at Leverkusen, throughout which they dethroned Bayern Munich as Bundesliga champions in 2023-24 and gained the DFB-Pokal. Their solely defeat in that marketing campaign was a 3-0 loss to Atalanta within the Europa League last.
Leverkusen completed second final season, however they appeared a good distance from their former glories beneath Alonso in a humbling defeat in Rio de Janeiro.
“The consequence seems to be dangerous, however I don’t actually give a shit about pre-season outcomes. We must not ever lose, not by that margin too,” Ten Hag advised Bild.
“But it was vital to me that I didn’t lose any gamers. It would have been higher to play the sport later.
“At Leverkusen, we even have excessive expectations when the gamers are younger. But we mustn’t choose them too harshly.”
Leverkusen goalkeeper added: “Lukas Hradecky was equally greatly surprised by the standard with the Rio de Janeiro membership’s ranks.
“I understood them to be a combined crew [with pros] identical to us. But this was definitely a great lesson for the younger gamers, to compete at this excessive stage.
“No surprise that so many abilities are right here and are available to Europe on a regular basis – they impressed me very a lot and deserved to win.”
