Bayer Leverkusen, one of the Bundesliga’s most storied clubs, have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach following the abrupt sacking of Erik ten Hag.
The decision, announced on Monday, September 8, 2025, comes after a turbulent start to the 2025-26 season, with Leverkusen languishing in 12th place in the Bundesliga after two matches. Hjulmand, a 52-year-old Danish tactician, has signed a contract until 2027, marking his return to club football after a notable stint with the Denmark national team. Below, we explore Leverkusen’s rich history with coaches and delve into Hjulmand’s coaching credentials.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Coaching History
Bayer Leverkusen have a long history of working with high-profile managers, many of whom have left a lasting impact on the club and German football. Known for their attacking style and ability to develop young talent, Leverkusen have often been a springboard for coaches to achieve greater success. Here’s a look at some key figures in the club’s managerial timeline:
- Christoph Daum (1986-1990): Daum laid the foundation for Leverkusen’s modern era, leading the club to their first major trophy, the UEFA Cup in 1988. His high-pressing, attacking philosophy became a hallmark of Leverkusen’s identity.
- Klaus Toppmöller (1999-2001): Toppmöller guided Leverkusen to the brink of glory, finishing as runners-up in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League in the 2001-02 season, a campaign famously dubbed the “Treble of Tears.”
- Jupp Heynckes (2009-2011): A German football legend, Heynckes brought stability and attacking flair, setting the stage for Leverkusen’s resurgence in the early 2010s before moving to Bayern Munich.
- Roger Schmidt (2014-2017): Schmidt’s high-octane, gegenpressing style earned plaudits, though his tenure was marked by inconsistency. His time at Leverkusen showcased the club’s willingness to embrace innovative tactics.
- Xabi Alonso (2022-2024): Arguably the most successful manager in Leverkusen’s recent history, Alonso led the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023-24 season, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance. His departure to Real Madrid in 2024 left big shoes to fill.
- Erik ten Hag (2024): Ten Hag’s brief stint was a disappointment, with only one competitive win against fourth-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the DFB-Pokal. Losses to Hoffenheim and a draw against Werder Bremen prompted his sacking just three games into the season.
Leverkusen’s coaching appointments reflect a balance between tactical innovators and pragmatic leaders, often with an emphasis on attacking football. However, the club’s high expectations and competitive transfer market have led to short tenures for some managers, as seen with Ten Hag.
Kasper Hjulmand’s Coaching CV
Kasper Hjulmand brings a wealth of experience to Leverkusen, combining international pedigree with limited but notable club football experience in one of Europe’s top leagues. Below is a detailed look at his coaching career:
Early Career
- Lyngby BK (2006-2008): Hjulmand began his managerial career at Danish club Lyngby, where he honed his skills in youth development and tactical organization, earning promotion to the Danish Superliga.
- FC Nordsjælland (2011-2014, 2016-2019): Hjulmand had two spells with Nordsjælland, establishing himself as one of Denmark’s brightest coaches. He led the club to the Danish Superliga title in 2011-12, their first-ever championship, and consistently qualified for European competitions. His focus on possession-based football and developing young players earned him widespread praise.
Mainz 05 (2014-2015)
- Hjulmand’s first foray into one of Europe’s top five leagues came with Mainz 05, where he succeeded Thomas Tuchel. His seven-month stint was challenging, with Mainz struggling in the Bundesliga. Despite the short tenure, Hjulmand gained valuable experience in German football, learning the intricacies of the league’s high-intensity style.
Denmark National Team (2020-2024)
- Hjulmand’s most prominent role was as head coach of Denmark, where he managed 54 matches, winning 32 (59.3% win rate). His standout achievement was guiding Denmark to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2020, where they lost 2-1 to England in extra time. His leadership during the Christian Eriksen incident at Euro 2020 earned him respect for his composure and empathy.
- At Euro 2024, Denmark reached the round of 16 but were eliminated by Germany. Hjulmand’s tenure was marked by a cohesive, attacking style, blending young talents like Rasmus Højlund with veterans like Christian Eriksen.
Tactical Philosophy
Hjulmand is known for his flexible, possession-based approach, often deploying a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. His teams prioritize quick transitions, high pressing, and fluid attacking play, which aligns well with Leverkusen’s historical identity. His experience with Denmark showcased his ability to manage high-pressure situations and integrate young players, a crucial skill given Leverkusen’s recent loss of key stars like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié.
Challenges and Expectations
Hjulmand takes over a Leverkusen side in transition after a remarkable 2023-24 season. The departure of key players and the early struggles under Ten Hag have left the team in 12th place, with just one point from two Bundesliga matches. His immediate task will be to stabilize the squad and restore their attacking fluency ahead of their next match against Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, expressed confidence in Hjulmand, stating, “We are delighted to have brought in Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we have followed closely over a long period of time.” Hjulmand’s experience in the Bundesliga with Mainz, though brief, gives him a foundation to build upon, and his international success suggests he can handle the pressure of managing a club with lofty ambitions.
Looking Ahead
Hjulmand’s appointment signals Leverkusen’s intent to return to their winning ways after a disappointing start to the season.
His track record of developing young talent and implementing an attractive, attacking style makes him a promising fit for a club known for its progressive football.
As Leverkusen aim to climb the Bundesliga table and compete in European competitions, Hjulmand’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the club’s next chapter.
