Ten Hag adopts Alonso's back-three system at Leverkusen
| Erik ten Hag of Bayer Leverkusen in training | Christof Koepsel/Getty Images |
The 55-year-old, who previously favoured a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation during spells at Bayern’s academy, Ajax and Manchester United, is now adapting to a 3-4-2-1 set-up – the system that brought Xabi Alonso and Leverkusen a domestic double in 2024 and a runners-up finish last season.
Much of the Leverkusen squad remains tailored to Alonso's structure, particularly wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spaniard thrives when given licence to attack with defensive cover behind him.
According to BILD, the reality has shaped discussions between ten Hag and sporting director Simon Rolfes, who made a concerted effort to convince the Dutchman to keep faith with the back three.
“I believe it's a good system; we have great stability with it and we have the players for it,” Rolfes told BILD. “It makes sense to get as many of those players on the pitch as possible.”
Switching to a back four and relying on true wingers, such as Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, would have required a much larger overhaul of the squad. Leverkusen have already lost three key players this summer in Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz, so stability is paramount.
As a result, ten Hag has been increasingly using the 3-4-2-1 shape in training sessions and friendly matches. Bayer are also in the market for a fifth top-level centre back to complement Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba, Pierro Hincapié and Jeanuël Belocian, one that is ideally a player with leadership qualities.
“Preferably, we'll build the squad in a way that allows us to play with both a back three and a back four,” ten Hag said. “That gives us the flexibility we need.”
It may be a compromise, but it could ensure that Leverkusen remain competitive despite a challenging summer of change.
