Hjulmand opens up on “hectic” Leverkusen move, pays respect to ten Hag

At his first press conference as Bayer Leverkusen coach, Kasper Hjulmand explained how the move came about and and showed his respect for former Werkself coach Erik ten Hag.

After being officially announced as the new Bayer Leverkusen coach on Monday, Kasper Hjulmand held his first press conference in his new role on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old was in the middle of working on a national football campus project with the Danish Football Association when he received a call from Bayer Leverkusen, and things have moved very quickly since then.

“I didn’t expect this; it was very hectic,” said Hjulmand.

“To be honest, there’s only one club that could give me this feeling, and that’s Leverkusen. I feel that I can be myself here. I don’t have to explain how I see football, how I have to work every day to get the expression I want on the pitch, how to win, how to play or how to lead.

“Another very important aspect is the playing philosophy, which Leverkusen have expressed over the last years.

“I know the style of working here, the methodology behind it. Overall, I’m very happy to be here. I can be myself, go out and train and implement good processes. Obviously, the team excites me too. There have been some changes, but there are still very, very good players here.”

Hjulmand also sent warm regards to his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who was sacked after just around three months in charge.

“I have great respect for Erik. He’s a good colleague. I’ve known him for years, and I have huge respect for him both as a coach and as a person.”