Bayer Leverkusen has officially announced the appointment of Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand as the club’s new head coach.
Hjulmand’s Coaching Career
The 53-year-old Hjulmand previously served as the head coach of the Danish national team. In 2021, he led Denmark to the semifinals of the European Championship, where they narrowly lost to England in extra time.
At Euro 2024, Denmark were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 0–2 defeat to Germany. After four years in charge of the national team, Hjulmand stepped down from his role. Earlier in his career, during the 2014/15 season, he managed Bundesliga side Mainz 05.
Speaking about his new position, Hjulmand said: “It is a great honour to coach Bayer Leverkusen. The team has already achieved remarkable success, and I am excited to work with such an experienced group of players. Together, I hope we can shape an even brighter future.”
New Coaching Staff and Adjustments
Leverkusen also revealed the full composition of Hjulmand’s coaching team, along with several changes.
Among them, Roger Meier, who joined the club this summer, and former U19 coach Sergi Lunge have been named as assistant coaches. Meier, who has steadily integrated into the team over the past few months, will continue in his assistant role.
Meanwhile, Spanish coach Lunge earned promotion to the first-team staff thanks to his impressive work with the youth side, and he will now face new challenges at the senior level.
Notably, assistant analyst Marcel Daum and data analyst Simon Lackmann will continue their important work at the club. Alongside them, goalkeeper coach David Thiel remains a key member of the coaching staff.
Ten Hag’s Brief Spell in Charge
Leverkusen won both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in the 2023/24 season. Following the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso this summer, the club appointed former Manchester United and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
However, Ten Hag’s tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed after just three matches in charge.
Hjulmand’s Debut Highly Anticipated
The Bundesliga’s third round will take place this Friday, with Leverkusen hosting Eintracht Frankfurt, a fixture that will mark Hjulmand’s debut in the dugout.
With the arrival of Hjulmand and the restructuring of the coaching staff, Leverkusen enters a new chapter.
The club’s management and fans have high expectations for Hjulmand, hoping he can build on the glory achieved during Alonso’s tenure and guide the team to further success in both the Bundesliga and European competitions.
The upcoming season promises to be full of challenges and opportunities, and Leverkusen’s performance will be one to watch.
