Leverkusen appoint Hjulmand after Ten Hag’s swift exit

Bayer Leverkusen named Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach on Monday, handing the former Denmark boss a contract until 2027 after a turbulent start to the Bundesliga season.

The 53-year-old succeeds Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed on September 1 after only two league matches in charge. Ten Hag, who had replaced Xabi Alonso in the summer, described his removal as “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise.” Alonso had led Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double last season before departing for Real Madrid.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said in a statement. “I’m motivated to shape the future of the club.”

Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the club had erred in hiring Ten Hag but insisted prolonging his tenure would have been “an even bigger mistake.” Leverkusen, runners-up last term, have taken just one point from their opening two matches.

Hjulmand guided Denmark to the Euro 2021 semi-finals and the last 16 of Euro 2024 before stepping down last year. He also won the Danish Superliga with Nordsjaelland in 2012 and had a brief spell in charge of Mainz in 2014-15.

The Dane is expected on the bench for Friday’s home match against Eintracht Frankfurt before Leverkusen begin their Champions League campaign at FC Copenhagen.

(Source: AFP)