Bayer Leverkusen has revealed more details about their first preseason under coach Erik ten Hag. The German club will play against VfL Bochum, Fortuna Sittard, and Chelsea in the lead-up to the start of the season in Germany.
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Erik ten Hag’s new chapter at Bayer Leverkusen is set to begin with an ambitious and diverse preseason schedule that reflects both the club's growing ambitions and the Dutch manager’s desire to instil a clear identity from day one.
After his tenure at Manchester United, where he lifted trophies but also faced intense scrutiny, Ten Hag arrives in Germany with a fresh opportunity to shape a project on his terms. The preparation for the 2025/26 season will see Leverkusen travel across continents, face a mix of domestic and international opponents, and gradually build toward competitive action in both the DFB-Pokal and Bundesliga.
The preseason officially kicks off with a bold move: a 10-day training camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 14 to 24. Choosing Brazil is a statement of intent. It offers ideal training conditions, a vibrant football culture, and a chance for the squad to bond away from the usual pressures. During this camp, Ten Hag will lead his first sessions as Leverkusen boss, introducing his tactical principles, fitness routines, and communication methods. Although the identity of the first friendly opponent is still unknown, it will mark Ten Hag’s unofficial debut on the sidelines. The match is expected to feature a combination of senior players, recent signings, and academy prospects, giving him an early look at the depth of his squad.
Upon returning to Europe, the first test on German soil will take place on July 27, when Leverkusen travels to face VfL Bochum in a friendly. Bochum, having just been relegated from the Bundesliga, will offer a valuable challenge in terms of physicality and intensity. This match provides an opportunity for players to adapt to the rhythm of European football again, while Ten Hag continues to fine-tune tactical structures and squad rotations.
Just a few days later, on August 1, Ten Hag will take his team to the Netherlands to face Fortuna Sittard in another warm-up game. For the Dutch manager, it’s a return to familiar territory, having previously coached in the Eredivisie with great success. The last time he was on the touchline at Fortuna's stadium was in September 2021, when his Ajax side thrashed the hosts 5-0 with goals from Steven Berghuis, Noussair Mazraoui, Dusan Tadic, Mohammed Kudus, and Nicolás Tagliafico. That match now serves as a reference point for the type of dominance Ten Hag will be aiming to replicate with Leverkusen.
August 5 marks a symbolic moment in the preseason: Leverkusen’s first home game under Ten Hag. While the opponent has yet to be revealed, the match will give fans their first look at the team in action at the BayArena. It's a key moment for supporters and players alike as they begin to see the new playing style take shape. The energy around the stadium will likely be high, with anticipation building as competitive fixtures draw near.
Three days later, on August 8, Leverkusen will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in one of the standout fixtures of their preseason. This high-profile encounter against Premier League opposition will provide an important benchmark for Ten Hag’s progress with the team. It also marks a brief return to England for the Dutchman, where he will be keen to show how quickly he’s been able to impose his methods and philosophy in a new environment. Chelsea, known for their own transitions and rebuilding projects, will serve as a fitting final test before the season begins in earnest.
Competitive action kicks off between August 15 and 17 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, where Leverkusen will face SG Sonnenhof, a club from Germany’s fourth tier. Despite the gap in divisions, Ten Hag will be well aware of the cup’s reputation for early-round upsets and will demand full focus from his players. This match marks his official debut and is the first true test in a campaign where Leverkusen is expected to challenge on multiple fronts.
The Bundesliga season will begin one week later, on August 22. The full fixture list is expected to be released at the end of June, giving Ten Hag and his staff time to prepare for what is expected to be a competitive and physically demanding season. With the club aiming to re-establish itself as a top-four force and potentially push further in European competitions, every aspect of this preseason is designed to lay a solid foundation.
Leverkusen’s preparation under Ten Hag blends international flair, tactical development, and calculated opposition. From the training grounds of Rio de Janeiro to the floodlights of Stamford Bridge, every step of this journey will shape the narrative of the Dutchman’s tenure in Germany. As anticipation grows among fans, players, and the football world, the early signs suggest that Leverkusen is not just preparing for a new season but for a new era.
Updated: 11:21, 17 Jun 2025
