Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach after the unexpected dismissal of Erik ten Hag. Hjulmand, former Denmark coach, signed a contract until 2027. This move aims to stabilize Leverkusen after a poor start to the season, contrasting with their previous success under Xabi Alonso, who departed for Real Madrid. Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted hiring Ten Hag was an error. Hjulmand’s first match will be against Eintracht Frankfurt, as Leverkusen seek to climb the Bundesliga table.
In a dramatic turn of events at the BayArena, Bayer Leverkusen have swiftly appointed Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach. The move comes after the unexpected dismissal of Erik ten Hag, who was relieved of his duties just two games into the season. Hjulmand, the former Denmark national team coach, has inked a deal that will keep him at the helm of the Bundesliga club until the summer of 2027, signaling a long-term commitment from both sides.
Hjulmand's arrival is intended to steady the ship at Leverkusen, after a shocking start to the season that saw them drop to 12th place, with just a single point from their opening two matches. It's a far cry from the heights they reached the previous season, and the club is clearly hoping that Hjulmand can replicate some of the magic he worked with the Danish national team.
The 53-year-old Dane brings a wealth of experience to Leverkusen, most notably his leadership of Denmark's national team to the semi-finals of the 2021 European Championship. In a memorable run, they narrowly lost to England after extra time, capturing the hearts of fans across the continent. His tactical acumen and ability to foster a strong team spirit were evident throughout the tournament, qualities that Leverkusen will be eager to harness.
"It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team," Hjulmand stated upon his appointment. "I am now very motivated to help shape the future of Bayer Leverkusen with both established and exciting new players." His words reflect a clear vision for the club, one that balances the experience of seasoned professionals with the dynamism of emerging talents.
The decision to bring in Hjulmand marks the end of a tumultuous period for Leverkusen, triggered by the surprising sacking of Erik ten Hag on September 1. Ten Hag's tenure was brief and ultimately unsuccessful, leading the club to seek a more stable and proven leader. The move to dismiss Ten Hag came as a shock to many, especially considering the high expectations that followed his appointment.
Ten Hag had succeeded Xabi Alonso, who orchestrated an unforgettable season for Leverkusen in 2023-24. Alonso guided the team to an unbeaten league campaign and a cup double, securing the club's first-ever Bundesliga title. His departure for Real Madrid in the summer left a significant void, one that Ten Hag struggled to fill.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes acknowledged that hiring Ten Hag was a mistake, admitting that allowing him to continue would have been "an even bigger mistake." The club's hierarchy clearly felt that a change was necessary to salvage the season and restore the team's confidence and performance.
With Hjulmand now in charge, Leverkusen will be aiming to climb back up the Bundesliga table and compete for a Champions League spot. His immediate challenge will be to galvanize the squad and implement his tactical ideas quickly. The team's upcoming home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday is set to be Hjulmand's first test, and all eyes will be on him as he seeks to make an immediate impact.
Before his international success, Hjulmand made his mark domestically, leading Nordsjaelland to their only Danish title in 2011-12. His track record demonstrates an ability to build successful teams and cultivate a winning mentality, traits that Leverkusen desperately need at this moment.
The appointment of Kasper Hjulmand represents a significant step for Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to navigate a challenging season. His experience, tactical expertise, and proven leadership make him a promising choice to guide the club forward. As he prepares for his first match in charge, the hope is that he can quickly turn the tide and lead Leverkusen back to the top of German football.