Bayer Leverkusen’s coaching carousel spun wildly in the late summer of 2024, culminating in the appointment of Kasper Hjulmand. The former Danish national team coach signed a contract through 2027, tasked with stabilizing a club reeling from a tumultuous start to the season. Hjulmand’s arrival brought a sense of hope and anticipation, promising a fresh tactical approach and a renewed pursuit of both domestic and international glory. His appointment marked the end of a chaotic period that saw two managerial changes within a matter of months, leaving Leverkusen searching for stability and direction. Hjulmand inherited a squad brimming with talent, yet burdened by the weight of recent underperformance and the lingering questions surrounding the club’s strategic direction.
The managerial drama began with the unexpected departure of Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to a historic league and cup double in the 2023-24 season. Alonso’s success proved to be his ticket to a bigger stage, as he departed for Real Madrid in the summer, leaving Leverkusen scrambling to find a suitable replacement. The club’s choice, Erik ten Hag, fresh off his own dismissal from Manchester United, seemed like a coup at the time. However, ten Hag’s tenure proved remarkably short-lived. After just two Bundesliga matches, and with Leverkusen languishing near the bottom of the table with a single point, ten Hag was unceremoniously sacked. The decision highlighted the club’s impatience and the pressure to maintain the high standards set under Alonso. Ten Hag, understandably, expressed his shock and disappointment, labeling the decision “unprecedented.”
Hjulmand’s appointment followed a period of intense speculation, with several high-profile names linked to the vacant position. The rumored candidates included former Barcelona player and coach Xavi, Australian manager Ange Postecoglou, and Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul. Hjulmand’s experience, particularly his success with the Danish national team, ultimately made him the preferred choice. He guided Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, narrowly losing to eventual runners-up England, and further solidified his reputation by reaching the last 16 of Euro 2024. His track record suggested a manager capable of building a cohesive and competitive team, a quality Leverkusen desperately needed after their early season struggles.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes acknowledged the misstep in hiring ten Hag, admitting that allowing him to continue would have been an even bigger mistake. Rolfes emphasized Hjulmand’s ability to implement a clear and dominant style of play, reflecting the club’s desire for a more proactive and attacking approach. He expressed confidence that Hjulmand possessed the necessary qualities to lead Leverkusen back to the top of the Bundesliga and make a significant impact in the Champions League. The club’s ambitions were clear: they sought to build upon the foundation laid by Alonso and compete with the best in both domestic and European competitions.
Hjulmand’s coaching career, while marked by success with the Danish national team, also included a less fruitful stint in the Bundesliga. He previously managed Mainz 05 during the 2014-15 season but was sacked after a dismal run of results, winning only one out of 13 matches. This prior experience in German football presented both a challenge and an opportunity for Hjulmand. He needed to prove that he had learned from his past mistakes and could adapt to the demands of the Bundesliga. Simultaneously, his familiarity with the league provided him with valuable insights and a head start in navigating the complexities of German football.
Hjulmand’s immediate task was to galvanize a squad still reeling from the managerial upheaval and early season setbacks. His first match in charge was a crucial home game against Eintracht Frankfurt, a fixture that would offer an early indication of his tactical approach and his ability to connect with the players. Following the Frankfurt clash, Leverkusen would face an even greater test: their opening Champions League group stage match against Danish champions Copenhagen. This European encounter provided Hjulmand with an opportunity to showcase his managerial prowess on a bigger stage and set the tone for Leverkusen’s Champions League campaign. The pressure was on for Hjulmand to deliver results quickly and justify the club’s faith in his abilities. His appointment represented a fresh start for Leverkusen, a chance to move past the recent turmoil and reclaim their place among the elite of German and European football.
