Bayer Leverkusen have officially appointed Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, agreeing a two-year contract to steer the club forward in both domestic and European competitions. The announcement was confirmed on 8 September 2025, following the sudden dismissal of Erik ten Hag just two league games into the season.
Hjulmand, aged 53, brings a blend of poise and experience to the Werkself as they strive to sustain the momentum established by former manager Xabi Alonso. The Dane, revered for guiding his national side to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, stepped down as Denmark’s coach earlier this summer after a Round of 16 exit at Euro 2024.
In his first public remarks since the appointment, Hjulmand expressed genuine admiration for the club’s reputation. “I have always regarded Bayer Leverkusen as a very well-run, well-structured and highly ambitious club. This impression has been confirmed in recent days,” he said. “It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team. The task greatly motivates me, and after outstanding successes in the past, I am eager to shape the future of Bayer Leverkusen together with both proven and exciting new players.”
His empathic approach and strong communication skills were key reasons Leverkusen’s executives were drawn to him. Chief Executive Officer Fernando Carro emphasized that Hjulmand’s style aligns well with the club’s philosophy, particularly given recent changes in the squad.
Danish football legend Flemming Povlsen, reflecting on the appointment, described Hjulmand as a “technically astute, empathetic and communicative coach who fits the club’s philosophy.”
He highlighted Hjulmand’s leadership during one of Denmark’s most vulnerable moments—the collapse of Christian Eriksen at Euro 2021—and predicted success if the manager can “focus on his work and better manage criticism.”
Hjulmand’s arrival comes amid a turbulent time for the club. Just days earlier, Erik ten Hag had been shown the exit after overseeing a disappointing start—losing 2-1 to Hoffenheim and drawing 3-3 with Werder Bremen, despite a win in the German Cup—and reportedly expressed that the decision “came as a complete surprise.”
Adding to the sense of urgency, Leverkusen have seen several influential players depart this summer—among them Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, and Granit Xhaka. To reinvigorate the squad, the club invested around €170 million in new signings, including Ibrahim Maza, Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, and Loïc Bade.
Hjulmand returns to the Bundesliga for the first time since his brief tenure at Mainz 05 in the 2014-15 season, where he began to build his reputation as a thoughtful manager with an eye for structure and attacking football.
Hjulmand, born 9 April 1972 in Gandrup, Denmark, enjoyed a brief playing career as a defender, ending at age 26 due to injury. He quickly transitioned into coaching, guiding Nordsjælland to their first-ever Danish Superliga title in 2012. A short stint at Mainz followed in 2014–15, before he returned to Nordsjælland and later ascended to lead the Danish national team from 2020 to 2024.
Under his stewardship, Denmark reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals and qualified for both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. He resigned after their exit at the latter tournament.
Since stepping down from the national team in July 2024—stating that Denmark “needed new ideas” and that “it’s not about me. It’s about what’s best for the team”—Hjulmand remained out of the coaching spotlight until today’s appointment.