Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as head coach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag last week after just two games in charge.The former Denmark coach has signed a contract until the summer of 2027 with the Bundesliga club. The 53-year-old Dane guided his country to the European Championship semi-finals in 2021, where they narrowly lost to England after extra time.”It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said. “I am now very motivated to help shape the future of Bayer Leverkusen with both established and exciting new players.”Hjulmand’s appointment ends a turbulent period for the club who dismissed former Manchester United boss Ten Hag on 1 September. The Dutchman had succeeded Xabi Alonso, who took Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup Double in 2023-24 – the club’s first Bundesliga title – before departing for Real Madrid in the summer.Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said hiring Ten Hag was an error, but letting him continue would have been “an even bigger mistake”.Runners-up last season, Leverkusen sit 12th after collecting just one point from their opening two matches in the German top flight.Hjulmand, who led Nordsjaelland to their only Danish title in 2011-12, is expected to be in charge for Leverkusen’s home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.
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Kasper Hjulmand: Bayer Leverkusen appoint new manager to replace Erik ten Hag
