Bayer Leverkusen Close in on Kasper Hjulmand After Erik ten Hag Sacking and Postecoglou Snub

It has been a whirlwind start to the new Bundesliga season for Bayer Leverkusen. Just weeks after saying goodbye to Xabi Alonso, the club have already pulled the plug on his replacement, Erik ten Hag, and are now closing in on a new man for the dugout. According to reports in Germany, Denmark’s former head coach Kasper Hjulmand is on the verge of being handed the reins, with the club moving away from earlier interest in ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.

Bayer Leverkusen and the Erik ten Hag Experiment

When Leverkusen appointed Erik ten Hag in the summer, it seemed a bold if slightly risky move. The Dutchman arrived with both pedigree and baggage. He had guided Ajax to a Champions League semi-final, but his more recent stint at Manchester United was mired in inconsistency and controversy.

Replacing Xabi Alonso—a coach who not only delivered Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title but also left for Real Madrid with his reputation at an all-time high—was always going to be a near-impossible act to follow. The early signs were worrying. Two games into the season, Leverkusen looked flat, uninspired, and most importantly, not aligned with the high-energy football that had become their hallmark under Alonso.

The club’s hierarchy decided not to wait. After just a fortnight, Ten Hag was shown the door, a brutal reminder of how quickly the coaching carousel can turn in modern football.

Postecoglou Linked but Bayer Leverkusen Turn Elsewhere

As soon as Ten Hag’s departure was confirmed, speculation swirled about who might come in. Ange Postecoglou, fresh from his Premier League adventure with Tottenham and still highly regarded for his transformative work at Celtic, was briefly touted as a candidate.

But the fit never seemed perfect. Postecoglou is a manager with a very specific style—attack-minded, expansive, and often uncompromising in its execution. While that aligns in some ways with Leverkusen’s recent philosophy, sources close to the club suggest they had concerns about his suitability in the Bundesliga environment, particularly given how quickly they needed stability.

Instead, the focus shifted elsewhere, and Kasper Hjulmand emerged as the front-runner.

Kasper Hjulmand: From Denmark to Bayer Leverkusen

Erik ten Hag Leverkusen

Hjulmand is not a household name to many casual fans, but within coaching circles he is respected as a steady, tactically astute figure. His biggest achievements came with Denmark, guiding the national team to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 in the midst of the emotional turmoil surrounding Christian Eriksen’s collapse.

He held the post from 2020 to 2024, overseeing a period where Denmark re-established themselves as one of Europe’s most resilient sides. Prior to that, Hjulmand had mixed fortunes at club level. His brief spell in Germany with Mainz back in 2014-15 was forgettable—he lasted only six months before being dismissed. But those who have followed his journey argue that the experience hardened him, and his subsequent success with Denmark showed his growth as a manager.

Why Leverkusen Believe Hjulmand Is the Right Fit

For Leverkusen, the appeal of Hjulmand lies in his pragmatism. Unlike Postecoglou, who often refuses to compromise on his attacking ideals, Hjulmand has shown an ability to adapt his system to the players available. With Leverkusen in need of stability after the chaos of the past few months, that flexibility is attractive.

Moreover, Hjulmand is currently unattached, making negotiations simpler. Reports from Sky Deutschland suggest that talks are well advanced, with the club aiming to have him in place in time for their clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.

The timing is crucial. Leverkusen cannot afford to let their season drift. A slow start under Ten Hag has already put them under pressure, and with rivals Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both looking sharp, any further slip-ups could prove costly.

What Went Wrong for Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen?

Ten Hag’s dismissal after just two games may seem harsh, but insiders say warning signs were clear. Players reportedly struggled to adapt to his training methods, and some questioned his tactical approach. The Dutchman’s time at Manchester United had also left scars, with critics pointing to his rigidity and difficulty in managing big personalities.

At Leverkusen, where Alonso had created a harmonious and cohesive environment, Ten Hag’s arrival felt like a jarring shift. The contrast was simply too stark, and the board acted swiftly rather than allow the situation to spiral.

The Road Ahead for Bayer Leverkusen

Assuming Hjulmand’s appointment is confirmed, he will inherit both opportunity and challenge. The squad remains packed with talent, from Florian Wirtz to Patrik Schick, and expectations remain high following last season’s historic title. But the loss of Alonso and the turbulence of Ten Hag’s short reign have unsettled the group.

Supporters will be watching closely to see how Hjulmand settles. Will he be able to re-establish the momentum that Alonso built? Can he strike the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair? And crucially, will he be given time, something his predecessor was denied almost immediately?

A Defining Moment in Leverkusen’s New Era

The sacking of Erik ten Hag and the pursuit of Kasper Hjulmand underline just how delicate Leverkusen’s situation is. The club is desperate to prove that last season’s triumph under Alonso was not a one-off, but a stepping stone to sustained success.

Choosing the right manager now could define whether they remain genuine Bundesliga challengers or slip back into the chasing pack. Turning away from Postecoglou suggests pragmatism over romance. Opting for Hjulmand signals a desire for stability over spectacle.

For Leverkusen, the next few weeks will be critical. If Hjulmand can hit the ground running and restore belief, the early-season turbulence may soon be forgotten. If not, the club risks watching their hard-earned momentum unravel.