In his first match as Leverkusen head coach, Ten Hag used a squad of many young players such as Ben Hawighorst (17 years old), Ferdinand Pohl (18), Nebe Sirak Domnic (16), Osman Turay, Jeremiah Mensah and Axel Tape (all 17 years old). Some experienced players such as goalkeeper Mark Flekken and striker Victor Boniface are also present.
Leverkusen's inexperienced squad conceded 4 goals in the first half. At the beginning of the second half, Gustavo scored another goal, raising the score to 5-0 for U20 Flamengo. Leverkusen only had 1 honor goal scored by culbreath in the 70th minute after coach Ten Hag brought on a series of key players such as Granit Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo, Patrik Schick and Robert Andrich in the 60th minute.
The defeat reflects Ten Hag's initial difficulties after taking over from Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen are in the process of rebuilding their squad after parting ways with key players Jonathan Tah (ating Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong (all of whom have moved to Liverpool). In the summer transfer window, the team added a number of new players including Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman, Ibrahim Maza and Mark Flekken.
Leverkusen have four more friendlies before the new season, against Bochum (27.7), fortuna Sittard (1.8), AC Pisa (5.8) and Chelsea (8.8). They will open the Bundesliga with a home match against Hoffenheim on 23 August.
