Bayer Leverkusen have appointed former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach on a two-year deal, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Monday, September 8.
Hjulmand, 53, led Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, where they were defeated by England in extra time, and stepped down after Denmark’s 2-0 loss to Germany in the last 16 of Euro 2024, ending a four-year tenure with the national team. He previously managed Mainz 05 in the 2014-15 Bundesliga season and now returns to German football to take charge of last season’s runners-up.
“I have always regarded Bayer Leverkusen as a very well-run, well-structured and highly ambitious club. It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said, adding that he is motivated to shape the club’s future alongside both proven and new players.
Ten Hag was dismissed after just two Bundesliga matches. He had replaced Xabi Alonso in May, following the Spaniard’s move to Real Madrid after leading Leverkusen to a historic double in 2023-24, winning their first Bundesliga title and a second German Cup unbeaten.
Hjulmand faces the challenge of rebuilding the squad following the departures of key players including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Granit Xhaka. Leverkusen have invested around €170 million ($199.8 million) in new signings, including Ibrahim Maza, Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, Loic Bade, and Mark Flekken.
“A newly assembled and developing squad like ours needs clear direction and will benefit from Kasper’s transparent, communicative and empathetic style,” said Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro.
Leverkusen resume their Bundesliga campaign on Friday, September 12 against Eintracht Frankfurt and will travel to Copenhagen on September 18 for their Champions League opener.
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