Ten Hag's Leverkusen eases through cup opener
Bayer Leverkusen weathered a first-half hailstorm to beat 10-man fourth-tier side SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach 4-0 in the DFB-Pokal first round on Saturday (AEST).
The 2024 winner had to wait for 45 minutes when play was stopped early in the first half after heavy rain, wind and a brief hailstorm.
But Leverkusen coach Erik ten Haag's competitive debut saw his team live up to its heavy favourite tag by easing past its opponent.
Patrik Schick opened his account after 32 minutes.
The hosts were then left with 10 men when Volklan Celiktas was sent off for a second booking in the 66th.
Arthur made it 2-0 after 74 minutes before Christian Kofane added another in the 84th for the visitors and a penalty from Alejandro Grimaldo three minutes from time sealed the rout.
Ten Hag said there was room for improvement despite the result.
"Grossaspach played well and caused us problems," the former Manchester United boss said. "In the end, we deserved to win.
"We had some good spells but there is still room for improvement. We will continue to work on that."
Ten Hag, who took over from Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso in May, has overseen a period of transition at Leverkusen after several key players left the club.
Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Granit Xhaka have all departed for pastures new, while Flekken, Kofane, Axel Tape, Ernest Poku, Ibrahim Maza and Jarell Quansah all made their competitive Leverkusen debuts in this match.
"Of course, it needs time. You can see not every action worked out," Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said of the changes.
"But we saw today that we've got interesting young players. Ibrahim Maza did well and showed his qualities between the lines.
"And that's why it will take a little time, but we still have a good team."
Leverkusen starts its Bundesliga campaign next weekend with a home clash against Hoffenheim.
