Bayer Leverkusen have named former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach, days after sacking Erik ten Hag just two games into the Bundesliga season.
The 53-year-old Dane signed a contract until 2027 and will be on the bench for Friday’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt.
“It is an honour to be entrusted with such a team,” Hjulmand said in a statement. “I’m motivated to shape the future of the club.”
His arrival ends a chaotic start to the season for Leverkusen. Ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the summer, was dismissed on September 1 after collecting only one point from two league games. Alonso had guided the club to an unbeaten league and cup double last season before joining Real Madrid.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the club made a mistake with Ten Hag’s appointment. “It was an error to hire him, but letting him continue would have been an even bigger mistake,” he said.
Ten Hag, however, described the decision as “unprecedented” and “a complete surprise” in his own statement.
Hjulmand, who resigned as Denmark coach in 2024 after leading the team to the semi-finals of Euro 2021 and the last 16 of Euro 2024, beat competition from Xavi, Ange Postecoglou and Raul to land the job.
Rolfes expressed confidence in the new manager’s vision. “He will set up a clear and dominant style of play with our team and strive for the most ambitious national and international goals,” he said.
Hjulmand previously led Nordsjaelland to their first Danish league title in 2011-12 and had a brief spell in charge of Mainz during the 2014-15 season.
After facing Frankfurt, Leverkusen begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to Danish champions Copenhagen.
