Kasper Hjulmand has been appointed as the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen following the unexpected sacking of Erik ten Hag. Hjulmand, formerly the head coach of Denmark, brings a wealth of experience to the role, including a previous stint in the Bundesliga with Mainz. Leverkusen’s managing sporting director, Simon Rolfes, expressed his confidence in Hjulmand’s ability to re-establish a clear and proactive style of play and develop the team into a top contender. The appointment comes after a busy summer transfer window for Leverkusen, with 16 new signings joining the club.
Bayer Leverkusen has announced the appointment of Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, a move that comes after the surprising dismissal of Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag's tenure at the club was cut short after just two Bundesliga games, leaving Leverkusen in search of a new leader to guide the team forward.
Hjulmand, a 53-year-old with a proven track record, steps into the role with a wealth of experience both on the domestic and international stage. His most recent position was as the head coach of the Danish national team, a role he held from 2020 to 2024. During his time with Denmark, Hjulmand oversaw a period of significant success, most notably leading the team to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
In that tournament, Denmark captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their resilient performances and captivating spirit. They navigated a challenging group stage and progressed through the knockout rounds, eventually facing England in a thrilling semi-final clash. The match went to extra time, with England ultimately prevailing 2-1, but Hjulmand's Denmark had left an indelible mark on the tournament.
However, their journey at Euro 2024 was not as triumphant, as they exited the tournament in the round of 16 after a defeat to Germany. Following this result, Hjulmand decided to resign from his position, paving the way for his return to club management.
Hjulmand's experience extends beyond the international arena. He also brings Bundesliga experience to Bayer Leverkusen, having previously managed Mainz during the 2014-15 season. Taking over from Thomas Tuchel, Hjulmand gained valuable insights into the rigors and demands of German top-flight football.
"I have always seen Bayer 04 as a very well-managed, well-structured, and highly ambitious club," Hjulmand stated on the club's website. "This impression has been confirmed in recent days. It’s an honor to be entrusted with a team like this. After outstanding successes in the past, I am now very motivated to help shape the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen with both established and exciting new players."
Welcome to Leverkusen, Kasper Hjulmand! pic.twitter.com/gr93SwmBe0
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 8, 2025
Simon Rolfes, the managing sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen, expressed his delight at the appointment, saying: "We are delighted to have brought in Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we have followed closely over a long period of time. His assistant coach with Denmark, Ismael Camenforte, also worked for us for several years. Kasper even recommended Ismael to us at the time. As a result, his training methods are well known to us at the club, and Kasper also knows our club very well from the last few years."
Rolfes further elaborated on the club's vision for the future under Hjulmand's leadership: "He will now work with our team to re-establish a clear and proactive style of play. Kasper is the right man to develop our new Werkself side into a top team that will strive to achieve the most ambitious national and international goals."
Bayer Leverkusen underwent significant changes during the summer transfer window, with 16 new signings joining the club. These additions were aimed at filling the void left by the departures of key players such as Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, and Jonathan Tah, as well as replacing head coach Xabi Alonso. The late arrivals of Ezequiel Fernandez and Eliesse Ben Seghir further bolstered the squad, joining Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, and Loic Bade.
Hjulmand's appointment marks a new chapter for Bayer Leverkusen, as they look to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in both the Bundesliga and European competitions. With his experience, tactical acumen, and proven leadership, Hjulmand is well-equipped to guide the team towards their ambitious goals.
The fans of Bayer Leverkusen will be eager to see how Hjulmand implements his vision and how the new signings integrate into the team. The season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of challenges and opportunities for the club to showcase their potential under their new head coach. Hjulmand's arrival brings a sense of optimism and anticipation to the BayArena, as the club sets its sights on achieving great things in the years to come.
The pressure will be on Hjulmand to deliver results quickly, especially after the tumultuous start to the season that led to Ten Hag's departure. However, with the backing of the club's management and the support of the fans, Hjulmand has the opportunity to create a lasting legacy at Bayer Leverkusen and lead the team to new heights.