Former Denmark and Mainz coach Kasper Hjulmand has been appointed the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
Hjulmand signs a two-year contract with Leverkusen until 2027, replacing Ten Hag after the Dutchman was dismissed just three games after himself taking over from double-winning coach Xabi Alonso.
It is the latest development in a summer of significant change at the club, with Hjulmand now tasked with getting the 2023/24 Bundesliga champions’ season back on track.
“We are delighted to have signed Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we have been following closely for a long time,” said Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes. “He will now work with our team to develop a clear and dominant style of play once again. Kasper is the right person to develop our new Werkself back into a top team that will strive for the most ambitious national and international goals.
“The 53-year-old’s last coaching assignment was with the Denmark national team, where he spent four years as coach from 2020 to 2024. Before then, Hjulmand coached Nordsjælland in his homeland either side of a 24-game spell as Mainz boss during the 2014/15 campaign.
“I’ve always regarded Bayer 04 as a very well-run, well-structured and highly ambitious club. This impression has been confirmed in recent days,” Hjulmand said after agreeing to take over.“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team. After outstanding success in the past, I’m very motivated by the task of shaping the future of Bayer Leverkusen with both proven and exciting new players.”
Hjulmand’s first game in charge will be at home on Friday night, with high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt the visitors.
