Bayer Leverkusen appoint Kasper Hjulmand as Head Coach after sacking Ten Hag 

Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag last week, just two games into the new season.

The former Denmark national team manager has signed a contract with the Bundesliga club until the summer of 2027.

Hjulmand, 53, notably led Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 (held in 2021), where they were narrowly beaten by England after extra time.

“It’s an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said. “I’m highly motivated to help shape the future of Bayer Leverkusen, working with both established players and exciting new talent.”

His appointment brings an end to a turbulent period at the club, which saw former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sacked on 1 September after a short and disappointing stint.

Ten Hag had succeeded Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in 2023–24 — securing the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title — before departing for Real Madrid in the summer.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted that appointing Ten Hag had been a mistake but said allowing him to stay would have been "an even bigger mistake."

After finishing as runners-up last season, Leverkusen have made a poor start to the new campaign, sitting 12th in the table with just one point from their opening two Bundesliga matches.

Hjulmand, who also won the Danish Superliga with Nordsjaelland in 2011–12, is expected to take charge for Leverkusen’s upcoming home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.