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Kasper Hjulmand has been appointed Bayer Leverkusen coach after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
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He takes charge of his first match on Friday against Eintracht Frankfurt.
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The Dane is tasked with reviving the team after a poor start to the season.
Bayer Leverkusen have named Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach on a contract running till 2027, following the surprise dismissal of Erik ten Hag on September 1 after just two Bundesliga games in charge.
Also Read: Leverkusen Sack Erik ten Hag After Two Matches
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The Danish coach joined a club determined to steady the ship quickly and aims to be in the dugout for Friday’s home match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” – Hjulmand said, adding that he is “motivated to shape the future of the club.”
Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the club erred in hiring Ten Hag but argued that keeping him would have been “an even bigger mistake.”
Club CEO Fernando Carro described the move as “painful, but necessary.”
Ten Hag responded to his exit by calling the sacking “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise.”
Hjulmand arrives with a strong international reputation.
He resigned as Denmark coach in July 2024 after guiding the national side to deep runs at major tournaments, and his record includes a domestic title with Nordsjælland in 2011–12.
At club level he also had a brief spell in Germany with Mainz in 2014–15, experience that gives him familiarity with the Bundesliga environment he now returns to.
Leverkusen face practical challenges immediately.
The squad lost key figures over the summer – among them Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka , while more than a dozen new signings arrived, including high-cost recruits that have raised expectations.
On the pitch, the team has collected only one point from its opening two league fixtures and will head to Copenhagen for a Champions League opener soon after Friday’s match.
Rolfes said the new manager will “set up a clear and dominant style of play” and pursue ambitious domestic and continental goals.
In short, Hjulmand’s brief is straightforward: stabilise results, bring coherence to a reshaped squad and lift performances quickly.
With European pressure starting at once, the coming weeks will reveal whether this appointment provides the spark Leverkusen need.
