Kasper Hjulmand to Take Over as Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach

Bayer Leverkusen have chosen Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach. The Danish manager, who has experience in the Bundesliga and led Denmark to the semi-finals during Euro 2021, will sign his contract and lead his first training session within 48 hours, starting a new chapter for the Bundesliga club after Erik ten Hag’s exit.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Kasper Hjulmand, 53, agreed to all of Bayer Leverkusen‘s terms and will replace Erik ten Hag, whose contract was terminated following a poor start to the Bundesliga season that left the team in the bottom half of the league. All paperwork for Hjulmand’s appointment is ready, and he will officially become Leverkusen’s head coach before the new season begins. He quickly emerged as the top candidate after impressive interviews and will sign his contract in the next two days. He is expected to lead his first training session by midweek.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR LEVERKUSEN

Bayer Leverkusen are entering the 2025/26 season after finishing second in the Bundesliga and securing straight Champions League appearances. The team had one of Germany’s best attacks, but defensive inconsistencies prevented a better finish. Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz were vital last season, with Wirtz scoring 10 goals and assisting 12. The board expects Hjulmand to build on this foundation and improve the team’s results, as they aim to enhance their performance after signing Equi Fernández to strengthen the squad.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE CLUB AND NEW COACH?

Kasper Hjulmand’s immediate task is to learn about the squad and prepare for the next Bundsliga match against co-leaders Eintracht Frankfurt. Leverkusen start the season with one point from two Bundesliga matches, trailing champions Bayern Munich by five points. The team faces difficult fixtures in the league and Champions League group stage. Fans hope Hjulmand’s tactical expertise and reputation for building solid teams will propel the club further in Europe and make them more competitive for domestic honours.