Bayer Leverkusen have named former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand as their new coach following the short-lived reign of Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag was sacked last week after just three games in charge amid rumours of player discontent and a lack of understanding regarding tactics.
The Dutchman had been brought in to try to reclaim the Bundesliga title won by Xabi Alonso in 2024 but then relinquished to Bayern Munich last season.
Hjulmand will now attempt that task after being given a two-year contract at the BayArena.
Leverkusen have been tracking Hjulmand
“We are delighted to have brought in Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we have followed closely over a long period of time,” explained Bayer managing director sport Simon Rolfes.
“His assistant coach with Denmark, Ismael Camenforte, also worked for us for several years. Kasper even recommended Ismael to us at the time. As a result, his training methods are well known to us at the club and Kasper also knows our club very well from the last few years. He will now work with our team to re-establish a clear and proactive style of play. Kasper is the right man to develop our new Werkself side into a top team that will strive to achieve the most ambitious national and international goals.”
Hjulmand resigned from his role with the Danes after his side lost 2-0 to Germany in the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
He has experience of working in the Bundesliga having taken charge of Mainz in the 2014/15 campaign.
The 53-year-old told the club’s official website: “I have always seen Bayer as a very well-managed, well-structured and highly ambitious club. This impression has been confirmed in recent days.
“It’s an honour to be entrusted with a team like this. After outstanding successes in the past, I am now very motivated to help shape the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen with both established and exciting new players.”
What did Ten Hag say after he was sacked?
Ten Hag was deeply unhappy to have been dismissed so early into his tenure.
The Dutchman hit out at Leverkusen’s decision and said he was “never” given the trust he needed.
In a statement via his agency SEG Football, Ten Hag expressed frustration at the decision: “To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.
“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play. Unfortunately, the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret.”
