Hjulmand: “When Leverkusen approached me in September, I said no”

Bayer Leverkusen have been on a steady rise under Hjulmand’s tutelage, but the story could’ve been very different had the Dane rejected the Rhineland club for a second time.

In an interview with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Kasper Hjulmand revealed that he initially rejected Bayer Leverkusen’s approach to make him their head coach. 

“Exactly a year ago, I had a few offers [from various clubs], but I turned them down because I wanted to focus on the campus project with the Danish Football Association.

“I’d been a coach since 1998. Being away from it for a while was very interesting, very nice. I’m a curious person – curious about everything that’s going on in the world […].

“Then came Leverkusen – and now I’m here. But as you get older, you learn something that’s generally true, but especially relevant to the football business: you can’t plan anything. 

“That’s why I live for the moment. And then I’m also ready to make quick decisions. When Leverkusen approached me in September, I said no. But a week later, after a few talks, I agreed. 

“And now, three months later, I’m sitting here and I can hardly believe it’s only been three months. So much has happened. It’s been very hectic, but I’m happy. I feel like I’ve truly arrived and am at home,” Hjulmand said. 

Since taking over after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, the Danish coach has guided the club to the DfB-Pokal quarter-final stage and currently sit third in the Bundesliga table.