DUESSELDORF, Germany — Erik ten Hag said he was as stunned as the rest of the soccer world when Bayer Leverkusen fired him after three games in charge in an “unprecedented” move on Monday.

The former Manchester United manager was tasked with rebuilding Leverkusen after an exodus of key players since Bundesliga-winning coach Xabi Alonso's departure for Real Madrid.

It soon fell apart.

Discontent was clear as Ten Hag questioned club decisions in the transfer market, while players squabbled over who would take a penalty in his third and final game.

“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented,” Ten Hag said in a statement released by his agen

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