German champions Bayer Leverkusen have appointed former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand as their new manager, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga matches in charge.
The 53-year-old Dane signed a contract until 2027 and is expected to take charge of Leverkusen’s clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.
“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said in a club statement. “I’m motivated to shape the future of the club.”
The appointment ends a turbulent fortnight for Leverkusen, who parted ways with ex-Manchester United boss Ten Hag on September 1, barely two games into the campaign. Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the club erred in the appointment, but said allowing Ten Hag to continue “would have been an even bigger mistake.”
Leverkusen, who finished as runners-up last season, had collected just one point from their opening two fixtures.
Ten Hag, who succeeded Xabi Alonso following his historic unbeaten double in the 2023–24 season before leaving for Real Madrid, described his sacking as “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise.”
Hjulmand, who guided Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2021 and the round of 16 at Euro 2024, was chosen ahead of other high-profile candidates including Xavi, Ange Postecoglou, and Raul.
Rolfes expressed confidence in the new manager’s philosophy, saying Hjulmand would “set up a clear and dominant style of play” as Leverkusen pursue “ambitious national and international goals.”
Hjulmand previously managed Bundesliga side Mainz during the 2014–15 season and also led Nordsjaelland to their only Danish Superliga title in 2012.
Following Friday’s domestic outing, Hjulmand’s men will begin their Champions League campaign away to Danish champions Copenhagen.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
