Ten Hag has “upset” Xhaka

According to a report from Sport Bild, Erik ten Hag didn’t make the best first impression on Granit Xhaka.

New Bayer Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag has “upset” midfield linchpin Granit Xhaka, according to Sport Bild.

The report claims that ten Hag didn’t contact Xhaka until three weeks after being unveiled as Leverkusen’s new head coach. The Dutchman initially suggested he would give players space, but it seems that approach didn’t go down well with the team.

Last week, ten Hag finally spoke with Xhaka and made it clear to the midfielder that he still sees him as an important part of the squad.

However, the major squad overhaul at Leverkusen – marked by the departures of Xabi Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz – has left Xhaka reflecting on his future.

AC Milan are said to be very interested in the 32-year-old, and reports from Italy have suggested that Xhaka has already given the green light for a move to San Siro.

But Sport Bild now reports that the Swiss international wants the two clubs to reach an agreement before engaging in serious contract talks. So far, Milan have yet to make an official offer.

Kicker recently reported that Milan’s interest has cooled due to Leverkusen’s alleged €40 million price tag, but Sport Bild believes a deal could realistically be done for around €15 million.

While Leverkusen would prefer to keep Xhaka, they are unlikely to force him to stay against his will, knowing it could affect the club’s dressing room atmosphere.

From Leverkusen’s perspective, the ball is now in ten Hag’s court to recover from what appears to have been a poor first impression – and to convince the experienced midfielder to stay.