Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Danish tactician Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag just two games into the Bundesliga season.
Hjulmand, formerly in charge of Denmark’s national team, has signed a contract with the club running until 2027.
“It’s an honour to be trusted with a team of this calibre,” Hjulmand said in a statement. “I’m fully motivated to help shape the future of this club.”
His appointment brings an end to a turbulent two weeks for Leverkusen, who parted ways with former Manchester United boss Ten Hag on September 1.
Erik ten Hag was brought in to replace Xabi Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to an historic unbeaten league and cup double in 2023/24 securing the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title before departing for Real Madrid in the summer.
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, acknowledged the mistake in appointing Ten Hag, stating that allowing him to continue would have been “an even bigger error.” The team had picked up just one point from their opening two matches, despite high expectations following last season’s runner-up finish.
In response to his dismissal, Ten Hag issued a statement describing the decision as “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise.”
New head coach Kasper Hjulmand is expected to be in the dugout for Leverkusen’s upcoming home clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.
Hjulmand was chosen from a shortlist that reportedly included Xavi, former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, and ex-Real Madrid striker Raul.
The 53-year-old stepped down as Denmark’s head coach in July 2024 after a notable tenure, which included a run to the Euro 2021 semi-finals and a Round of 16 exit at Euro 2024.
Rolfes said the club expects Hjulmand to establish “a clear and dominant style of play” while pursuing both domestic and international success.
Hjulmand previously led Nordsjaelland to their only Danish Superliga title in 2011–12 and had a brief spell in Germany with Mainz in the 2014/15 season, which ended after a poor run of form.
Following Friday’s Bundesliga tie, Leverkusen will open their Champions League campaign with an away fixture against Danish champions Copenhagen.
