Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the appointment of Kasper Hjulmand as their new manager, handing the former Denmark national team boss a two-year contract.
This marks his first return to club management since 2019.
The 52-year-old Dane is set to oversee his first training session with the squad on Wednesday and will make his dugout debut on Friday when Leverkusen host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
“I’ve always regarded Bayer 04 as a very well-structured and ambitious club,” Hjulmand said after his unveiling. “That impression has been reinforced in recent days. To be entrusted with this team is a great honour. The challenge excites me — shaping the future of Leverkusen with both established players and emerging talent, while building on the successes achieved in the past.”
The managerial change comes just a week after Erik ten Hag was dismissed, following only three competitive games in charge. Ten Hag, who took over in the summer after leaving Manchester United in November 2024, departed after a poor start to the Bundesliga campaign despite a promising pre-season.
Our new head coach – Kasper Hjulmand takes charge of the Werkself until 2027! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/0anwKDo0Wq
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 8, 2025
Leverkusen’s season began with a DFB Pokal win over Grossaspach but quickly faltered in the league with a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim and a 3-3 draw against a 10-man Werder Bremen.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes welcomed Hjulmand’s arrival, highlighting his long-standing connection with the club:
“We’re very pleased about the appointment of Kasper Hjulmand, whose work we’ve followed closely over a long period,”
“His assistant coach with Denmark, Ismael Camenforte, was also active with us for several years. Kasper personally recommended him to us back then. His training methodology is therefore well known within our club, and Kasper himself is familiar with Bayer 04 from recent years.
“He will now work with our team to re-establish a clear and dominant playing style. Kasper is the right person to develop our new Werkself into a top team again – one that will pursue the most ambitious national and international goals.”