Bayer Leverkusen have appointed former Denmark national team coach, Kasper Hjulmand, as their new manager on a contract running until 2027, following the shock dismissal of Erik ten Hag just two games into the Bundesliga season.
Naija News reports that the announcement on Monday ends two weeks of turmoil at the German champions, who parted ways with Ten Hag on September 1 after a disastrous start to the campaign.
Hjulmand, 53, expressed delight at his new role, describing it as a career-defining opportunity.
“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” he said in a statement.
“I’m motivated to shape the future of the club.”
The Dane, who will take charge of his first game at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, was one of several high-profile candidates linked to the post, including Xavi Hernandez, Ange Postecoglou, and former Real Madrid striker Raul.
Ten Hag’s exit came as a shock after he was hired to succeed Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double last season before leaving for Real Madrid in the summer.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the club made an error in bringing in Ten Hag but said sticking with him would have been an even bigger mistake.
“Sometimes you must accept when something is not working, even if the decision was made recently,” Rolfes explained.
Leverkusen, runners-up last season, had managed just one point from their opening two league matches under Ten Hag.
In response, Ten Hag criticised the club’s decision, calling it “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise.”
Hjulmand resigned as Denmark coach in July 2024 after guiding the national team through a successful spell.
He famously took Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, narrowly losing to England, and steered them into the last 16 of Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by hosts Germany.
Earlier in his career, Hjulmand guided FC Nordsjaelland to their only Danish league title in 2011-12 and briefly managed Mainz in the Bundesliga during the 2014-15 season, before being dismissed after a poor run of results.
Leverkusen confirmed that Hjulmand is tasked with implementing a bold style of play and maintaining the club’s push for domestic and European honours.
Rolfes said: “Our new manager will set up a clear and dominant style of play with our team and will strive for the most ambitious national and international goals.”
Naija News reports that following Friday’s Bundesliga fixture against Frankfurt, Hjulmand will lead Leverkusen into their Champions League opener against Danish champions Copenhagen, a poignant assignment for the former Denmark boss.
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