Kasper Hjulmand Confident Bayer Leverkusen Will Click into Top Gear
Bayer Leverkusen's new coach Kasper Hjulmand believes the team's quality will eventually pay off despite a rocky start to the season. Read more about his strategy.
“There is so much quality. We are looking to make that work and tick. Suddenly, it will hopefully explode...”
Bayer Leverkusen's new coach, Kasper Hjulmand, believes it's only a matter of time before the team clicks into top gear. Despite a rocky start to the Bundesliga season and a summer overhaul, Hjulmand is confident that the squad has enough quality to deliver top performances. Leverkusen appointed the former Denmark manager on a two-year contract following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
Hjulmand's task won't be easy, with Leverkusen having failed to record a league win so far. The team faces an immediate test against in-form Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. “It's a big challenge because in football, you need processes to make that work,” Hjulmand said. “You don't push a button. You have to work every day and create.” Leverkusen spent around €170 million to rebuild their squad, bringing in new talents like Ibrahim Maza, Malik Tillman, and Jarell Quansah.
We can't wait to get started together! 🤝⚫️🔴 pic.twitter.com/Y877KKqSWe
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 10, 2025
Hjulmand emphasized that to be a top team, Leverkusen needs to excel in almost all facets of the game. He's optimistic about the team's potential, saying, “There have been changes, but also very, very good players are left. It's up to us to create a fantastic team on and off the pitch.” The 53-year-old coach seems comfortable with his new surroundings, adding that he can be himself without needing to explain his approach to playing football or leadership.
With Leverkusen struggling to find form, having failed to record a league win so far, they face a tough test against in-form Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. Hjulmand acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It is a big challenge because in football you need processes to make that work. You don't push a button. You have to work every day and create.”
Hjulmand emphasized the importance of building processes and team dynamics to overcome the current challenges. “You have to create processes, and you have to work on the team. You have to work on the players, and you have to work on the staff. It's not just one thing; it's many things that you have to do every day.” He stressed that success in football requires continuous effort and improvement, and his team needs to focus on developing their processes to achieve results.
Let's bring the passion onto the pitch! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/1NbOkEcjPQ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 10, 2025
With Eintracht Frankfurt's high pressing and intense style of play, Hjulmand knows his team needs to be well-prepared. “Eintracht Frankfurt is a team that presses very high, and they are very intense. We have to be prepared for that. We have to be sharp, and we have to be focused.” Hjulmand's team will need to rise to the challenge and put up a strong performance to overcome their current struggles and secure a win against a formidable opponent.
Bayer Leverkusen's new coach, Kasper Hjulmand, believes the team has immense quality, but it's just a matter of time before they click into top gear. After a summer overhaul and a rocky start to the Bundesliga season, Hjulmand remains optimistic about the team's prospects. “There is so much quality. We are looking to make that work and tick. Suddenly, it will hopefully explode. We don't know when. Until then, we will have good minutes, bad minutes ... and make it work.” This mindset reflects his confidence in the team's abilities, despite their current struggles.
Leverkusen's recent performances have been inconsistent, with a 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim at home and a 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen. These results led to the departure of former coach Erik ten Hag. However, Hjulmand's focus is on harnessing the team's quality to achieve success. The upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt will be a crucial test for the team, and Hjulmand will be looking to his players to rise to the challenge.
Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid marked a significant change for Bayer Leverkusen. Under Alonso's leadership, the team achieved remarkable success in the 2023-24 season, securing the Bundesliga title without a single loss and winning the German Cup. They also reached the Europa League final, showcasing their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Alonso's tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent were key factors in the team's success.
However, Leverkusen faced a major challenge following Xabi Alonso's exit: a summer exodus of key players that left significant gaps in the squad. Players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka, and Amine Adli were crucial to the team's success, and their departures meant Leverkusen had to invest heavily to rebuild. The club spent around €170 million on new signings, including Ibrahim Maza, Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, Loic Bade, and Mark Flekken. The new coach, Kasper Hjulmand, now faces the task of integrating these new players and finding a winning formula.
Hjulmand's job won't be easy, as the team struggles to find consistency. The upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt will be a crucial test for Hjulmand and his team. With a strong squad but still in the process of geling, Leverkusen's success will depend on how quickly they can develop their new dynamics and play to their full potential.
“If you want to be a top team you have to be good at almost all facets of the game,“ the 53-year-old Hjulmand said. “I have the feeling I can be myself here. I don't have to explain how I want to play football, how to lead.
“There have been changes but also very, very good players are left. It is up to us to create a fantastic team on and off the pitch,” he added.
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