Ten Hag names captain, Poku can hope for debut

Erik ten Hag faces a challenging start to life as Bayer Leverkusen manager as he prepares for his first competitive match in charge a DFB-Pokal first-round tie away to SG Sonnenhof Großaspach on August 15 at 18:00.

The Dutchman, who arrived in the summer with the task of reshaping the squad after a turbulent transfer window, could be without one of his most important players in Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spanish left-back, a key figure in Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign last year and one of the few core players to remain at the club, has been ill for the entire week leading up to the game. Ten Hag admitted during Thursday’s press conference that there is “a question mark next to his name” regarding his availability. Malik Tillman, another potential starter, will also miss the match as he continues his recovery.

For Ten Hag, the potential absence of Grimaldo is significant. The 28-year-old is not only an attacking outlet down the left flank but also one of the team’s most creative players, contributing with goals, assists, and set-piece deliveries. His absence would force the new coach into early tactical adjustments, possibly relying on less experienced options in a match that, while on paper should favour Leverkusen, comes with the unpredictability of a knockout competition.

Their opponents, SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, may be a fourth-tier side, but they come into the tie with momentum and confidence. Champions of their division last season, they have started the new campaign strongly, collecting six points from their opening two matches and boasting a goal difference of +8. “They score a lot of goals and are a close-knit team,” Ten Hag warned. “We have to make sure we handle ourselves well against them.” The Dutch coach is clearly aware that underestimating lower-league opposition in the cup can be costly especially in the early rounds when favourites are still finding their rhythm.

One of the most intriguing storylines ahead of the match is the possible debut of Ernest Poku, the promising winger signed from AZ Alkmaar. The 20-year-old, known for his pace and direct style, is already being considered for the starting XI despite only recently joining the club. “Of course he’s an option for the starting XI,” Ten Hag confirmed. “He still needs to learn our playing model and understand his tasks. But I’m not very patient, and in the dynamic world of football, everything moves quickly. You need to be patient and give him time to integrate into the team. Everything is new the club, the city, the dressing room, the coach, the teammates, the playing style.”

Ten Hag’s competitive debut will also see a new captain lead the side. Robert Andrich, who has worn the armband throughout pre-season, will officially take over from long-serving captain Lukas Hradecky, who departed the club earlier this summer. “It was a natural process,” Ten Hag explained. “He is the right man for that role. He connects players.” Andrich’s leadership style is seen as instrumental in maintaining unity in a squad that has undergone considerable changes in recent months.

Another unresolved issue is the future of Amine Adli. The winger has attracted significant and concrete interest from other clubs, and while his future remains uncertain, Ten Hag is adamant about keeping him. “I’ve said that I want to keep all the players,” he reiterated. “We’ve lost many players and we need quality.” This statement reflects the reality of Leverkusen’s transfer window, which has seen several departures and a restructuring of the squad’s core.

For Ten Hag, this match is about more than just progressing to the next round of the DFB-Pokal it’s an opportunity to set the tone for his tenure. A convincing win would not only boost confidence but also help bed in his tactical ideas before the Bundesliga season begins. However, potential absences, ongoing transfer uncertainty, and the pressure of a first competitive game mean that the Dutchman will need to manage his squad carefully to avoid an early upset.