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Kasper Hjulmand Sacked at Bayer Leverkusen After Very Disappointing Season
The German club Bayer Leverkusen has officially announced the dismissal of head coach Kasper Hjulmand after a season that failed to meet expectations. The 54-year-old Danish coach, who took over in September 2025, faced mounting pressure as the team’s performance declined significantly over the course of the Bundesliga campaign. His removal was anticipated following a string of disappointing results.
Management Changes at Bayer Leverkusen
In the wake of Hjulmand’s departure, Carles Martinez has been appointed as the new head coach. Martinez is expected to steer the club towards achieving their goal of being competitive at the highest levels of European football. Hjulmand, who had previously managed to lead the team to key victories, including an impressive away win against Manchester City, ultimately could not prevent an early exit from both the UEFA Champions League and a failure to secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
Statements from Bayer Leverkusen’s Board
Werner Wenning, Chairman of the Shareholders’ Committee, expressed gratitude for Hjulmand’s efforts during his tenure, highlighting the club’s advancement to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, despite these achievements falling short of their overall aspirations. The chairman wished Hjulmand well in his future endeavors.
Looking Forward with Carles Martinez
Fernando Carro, the CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, emphasized the club’s ambition to solidify its position among Europe’s elite and expressed confidence in Martinez’s capabilities as a coach. The new head coach is noted for his successful track record in developing young talent during his time at Toulouse, along with his significant experience from his tenure at FC Barcelona’s youth academy. This background is seen as a strong asset for Leverkusen as they aim to cultivate a competitive and dynamic squad.
Upcoming Presentation
Carles Martinez is scheduled to be formally introduced at a press conference on Friday, where he will outline his vision for the team moving forward and how he plans to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
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