New Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand said he has “a big challenge” ahead of him but that he sees “huge” potential at his new club.
“It’s a big challenge. In football, you can’t just press a button and everything will fall into place. We have to work everyday. The potential here is huge,” Hjulmand said during his official presentation on Wednesday.
The former Denmark helmsman was appointed Leverkusen coach in succession of Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Ten Hag was axed last week after just two months and three official matches in charge.
He managed only one victory in the three official matches, against lower league Grossaspach in the German Cup, while in the Bundesliga they lost against Hoffenheim and drew 3-3 at 10-man Werder Bremen after leading 3-1.
But Leverkusen are now convinced they have found the right man for the job.
“Kasper Hjulmand fits Leverkusen, the people here and our football,” sporting director Simon Rolfes said.
Hjulmand coached Denmark from 2020 to 2024 and led them into the Euro 2020 semi-finals. His last match in that capacity was a 2-0 defeat against Germany at Euro 2024.
He has coached in the Bundesliga before, at Mainz, where he had to go during his first season 2014-15.
“I think there’s only one club that could have made me feel, after just one week, that I wanted to be there and that was Leverkusen,” the coach said.
“I love the game and I can’t wait to get out there. I’m very happy to be here.”
Hjulmand is set to debut on Friday in the Bundesliga home game against Eintracht Frankfurt.
