Bayer Leverkusen have appointed former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, replacing Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed just two games into the Bundesliga season.
Hjulmand, who guided Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2021 and the round of 16 at Euro 2024, signed a contract running until 2027. The 53-year-old described the appointment as a privilege, saying, “It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team. I’m motivated to shape the future of the club.”
His arrival ends a turbulent period for Leverkusen, who abruptly parted ways with Ten Hag on September 1. The Dutchman had taken over from Xabi Alonso, who led the club to an unprecedented unbeaten league and cup double in the 2023–24 campaign before leaving for Real Madrid.
Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted that the decision to hire Ten Hag was a miscalculation, but insisted that keeping him on would have been “an even bigger mistake.” The club had picked up just one point from their opening two Bundesliga fixtures after finishing runners-up last season.
Ten Hag, however, expressed his dismay at the dismissal, calling it “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise.”
Hjulmand will take charge of the team for the first time when they face Eintracht Frankfurt at home on Friday. He was selected from a shortlist that included Xavi, former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, and ex-Real Madrid striker Raul, who recently coached Madrid’s reserve side.
Before his tenure with Denmark, Hjulmand guided Nordsjaelland to their first and only Danish Superliga title in 2011–12. He also had a brief stint in the Bundesliga with Mainz in the 2014–15 season, which ended after a poor run of results.
Sporting director Rolfes expressed confidence in the new manager’s philosophy, stating that Hjulmand would “set up a clear and dominant style of play with our team” while aiming for “the most ambitious national and international goals.”
Following their league match against Frankfurt, Leverkusen will travel to Denmark to open their Champions League campaign against domestic champions Copenhagen.
What you should know
Kasper Hjulmand’s appointment marks a fresh start for Bayer Leverkusen after a chaotic managerial shuffle that saw Erik ten Hag sacked just weeks into the season.
The former Denmark boss is tasked with restoring stability and building on the historic success achieved under Xabi Alonso, with both Bundesliga and Champions League ambitions on the horizon.
