Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the appointment of Kasper Hjulmand as their new manager, just a week after parting ways with Erik ten Hag following his disastrous two-game stint in charge.
The former Denmark boss has signed a deal with the Bundesliga club running until the summer of 2027.
Hjulmand, 53, is best known for steering the Danish national team to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 (played in 2021), where they were narrowly beaten by England in extra time.
“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said after the announcement. “I am hugely motivated to help shape the future of Bayer Leverkusen alongside both our experienced players and the exciting young talents in the squad.”
The decision brings to an end a chaotic spell for the German champions, who sacked Ten Hag on 1 September. The Dutchman, previously Manchester United manager, had only just taken over from Xabi Alonso – the man who guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double last season, lifting both their first-ever Bundesliga title and the German Cup before moving to Real Madrid in the summer.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted hiring Ten Hag had been a mistake, but said keeping him on any longer would have been “an even bigger mistake.”
Leverkusen, who finished second in the Bundesliga last season, are currently sitting 12th after taking just one point from their opening two fixtures.
Hjulmand, who led FC Nordsjaelland to their only Danish Superliga title in 2011-12, is set to take charge of his first game on Friday when Leverkusen host Eintracht Frankfurt.
