Bayer Leverkusen has swiftly appointed former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, following the shock dismissal of Erik ten Hag after just two games.
Hjulmand, 53, has signed a contract with the Bundesliga club that runs until the summer of 2027.
The appointment comes after a tumultuous period for the reigning champions, who sacked Ten Hag on September 1.
The Dutch coach had taken over from Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double in the 2023-24 season before departing for Real Madrid.
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, admitted that hiring Ten Hag was a mistake, but stated that letting him continue would have been “an even bigger mistake.”
Hjulmand brings a strong international pedigree, having led Denmark to the European Championship semi-finals in 2021, where they were narrowly defeated by England. He also has previous experience in the Bundesliga, having coached Mainz in the 2014-15 season.
“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said. “I am now very motivated to help shape the future of Bayer Leverkusen with both established and exciting new players.”
The club, which finished as runners-up last season, currently sits in 12th place in the German top flight, having secured only one point from their opening two matches.
Hjulmand is expected to take charge for Leverkusen’s upcoming home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.
