What will new head coach Kasper Hjulmand bring to Bayer Leverkusen?

Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as head coach following the abrupt dismissal of Erik ten Hag last week.

The 53-year-old, who stepped down as manager of Denmark last summer after four years in charge, has signed a two-year contract at the BayArena.

It marks a return to the Bundesliga for Hjulmand, who succeeded Thomas Tuchel at Mainz in 2014 but was dismissed nine months later with the club sitting 14th in the league.

Hjulmand subsequently returned to former club Nordsjælland, whom he led to the Danish Super Liga title and Champions League qualification in 2012, and remained at the helm for three and a half years before assuming control of the national team. 

He went on to lead Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where they were beaten in extra-time by England. The former defender won 32 of his 54 games in charge.

What Bayer Leverkusen said about Kasper Hjulmand’s appointment

“We are delighted to have brought in Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we have followed closely over a long period of time,” said Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s managing director of sport. 

“His assistant coach with Denmark, Ismael Camenforte, also worked for us for several years. Kasper even recommended Ismael to us at the time. 

“As a result, his training methods are well known to us at the club, and Kasper also knows our club very well from the last few years. He will now work with our team to re-establish a clear and proactive style of play.”

Hjulmand inherits a side shorn of several key players this summer. The Netherlands full-back Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, the Germany playmaker, departed for Liverpool, while Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland. 

German international Jonathan Tah was snapped up by Bayern Munich on a free transfer, while Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie has joined Arsenal on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

What will Kasper Hjulmand bring to Bayer Leverkusen?

Yet Hjulmand, who was in charge of the national team when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Euro 2020 game against Finland, has known far worse circumstances.

The Dane’s poised and sensitive handling of that situation earned him universal acclaim in his homeland, ensuring the scepticism that greeted his initial appointment was quickly forgotten, while his front-foot philosophy and tactical intelligence have likewise been much admired.

Hjulmand is known for treating his players as individuals and has a reputation for inspiring unity. His success with Denmark has dispelled early suggestions that his warmth of character was evidence of a soft underbelly, while his rigorous preparation and the directness are frequently referenced by those who have played under him.

The points of contrast with Ten Hag, who took over from Xabi Alonso this summer but lasted only three games, are self-evident. Now Hjulmand must attempt to shape a team lying 12th in the Bundesliga in his own image.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” said Hjulmand of Leverkusen, whom Alonso led to an unbeaten league and cup double two seasons ago.

“After outstanding successes in the past, I am very motivated by the task of shaping the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen with both proven and exciting new players.”