Who Is Kasper Hjulmand? Bayer Leverkusen Appoints New Head Coach

Bayer Leverkusen have named Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, following the swift dismissal of Erik ten Hag just three games into the season. The Danish manager has signed a contract that runs until 2027, marking a fresh chapter at the BayArena.

Hjulmand, best known in Germany for his time at Mainz and more recently as Denmark's national team coach, steps in after a turbulent start to the season. Ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this summer, managed just one point from Leverkusen’s opening two Bundesliga matches. That poor start triggered swift action from the club’s hierarchy.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes didn’t hold back when reflecting on the decision, admitting that hiring Ten Hag was a misstep. “It was a mistake to appoint him—but continuing with him would’ve been an even bigger one,” Rolfes said.

Ten Hag’s brief spell came on the heels of Alonso’s historic 2023–24 campaign, which saw Leverkusen win a domestic double before the Spaniard departed for Real Madrid.

With Hjulmand now at the helm, Leverkusen will be hoping to steady the ship and build on last season’s success.

Who is Kasper Hjulmand?

Kasper Hjulmand, 53, is highly regarded for his tactical intelligence and ability to develop players. He spent four years as head coach of the Denmark national team, where he led them to the semifinals of Euro 2020 and secured qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Before taking charge of the national team, Hjulmand made a name for himself in club football with FC Nordsjælland. He guided the team to their first—and so far only—Danish Superliga title in the 2011–12 season. He also had a brief stint in the Bundesliga with Mainz during the 2014–15 season.

Now, as he steps into a new chapter with Bayer Leverkusen, the club’s management has expressed strong confidence in his leadership. Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes said:

“We are delighted to have signed Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we have been following closely for a long time. 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.”

New Coach Hjulmand's Vision for Bayer Leverkusen

Hjulmand is set to kick off his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen with a home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. The team will be eager to secure their first Bundesliga win of the season under their new coach’s leadership. Speaking ahead of the match, Hjulmand expressed his admiration for the club’s setup and aspirations. He said:

“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. 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.”

Cover Credits - Sky Sports