Who is Leverkusen's new coach?

Data correct as of 8 September 2025

Kasper Hjulmand
Age: 53 (born 9 April 2972)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Role: Head coach
Country: Denmark

Before stepping into management, Hjulmand was a player himself, but spent most of his career in the Danish lower leagues and was forced to retire through injury at the age of just 26 in 1998. Almost immediately after hanging up his boots, the former defender joined fellow Danish outfit Lyngby as part of their youth team staff.

His big break came in 2006, when he was appointed head coach of the first team. His two-year stint there attracted the attention of Nordsjælland, for whom he was assistant for three seasons before taking the top job in the summer of 2011.

One of Denmark’s easternmost clubs, the Farum-based outfit had just two domestic cups to their name and one of the lowest budgets in the top flight. However, against all the odds, Hjulmand led them to their first-ever league title in 2011/12, pipping powerhouses Copenhagen to top spot by two points.

After also guiding Nordsjælland to their first and only UEFA Champions League group stage participation, Hjulmand joined Mainz in 2014 following Thomas Tuchel’s departure. He started well in the Bundesliga, with the 05ers sitting third in the 2014/15 table after eight games, but a dip in form saw him depart the role in February 2015. 

A return to Nordsjælland ensued, yet it was on the international stage that he would make more waves after being appointed Denmark boss in 2020. 

The Danes had survived the group stage of the UEFA European Championships just once since winning the competition in 1992, but Hjulmand led them to the semi-finals at Euro 2020 – held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic - where they lost to England. 

Remarkably, he did so after star player Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark’s opener against Finland, earning plaudits for the way he dealt with a challenging situation. He also led the nation to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Euro 2024 before departing.

Manages a bit like... Thomas Tuchel

It is no surprise that Mainz turned to Hjulmand in search of continuity following Tuchel’s move to Borussia Dortmund. The current England boss is known for his tactical versatility, even within matches, much like Hjulmand. Both are occasionally outspoken, but Hjulmand’s more people-oriented approach could be a significant strength given the number of new arrivals at Leverkusen in the summer of 2025.

Did you know?

There is much more to Hjulmand than just football. During his adolescence, he was a very talented volleyball player and was involved in Denmark’s youth teams before ultimately choosing football. He also enjoys philosophy, mentioning Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and fellow Dane Søren Kierkegaard as some of his favourite writers.

What they’re saying

“What makes you a unique football coach is that you see the person before the football player, and at the same time, you are insanely ambitious. You saved us from the storm and were the captain of everything and gave us the feeling that it was okay to play football” – former Denmark captain Simon Kjær to Hjulmand following UEFA Euro 2020

“Kasper has always been interested in learning new things and developing new ideas. As a coach, he is willing to change his team’s system within the match, and his emotional intelligence is also extremely high.” – Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel

“The ball had to be with his team. We were inspired a lot by Ajax and Barcelona. He was the best coach I’ve had in that regard. Hjulmand understands the human side of the game well. He cares about the player as a whole rather than just the footballer. I felt comfortable at the club when Hjulmand was there. He’s the complete package.” - Former Nordsjælland player Kasper Lorentzen

"Kasper is the right person to develop our new Werkself back into a top team that will strive for the most ambitious national and international goals." - Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes