Kasper Hjulmand feels Bayer Leverkusen is ‘good fit’ ahead of return to Denmark

New Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand insists the club is a “good fit” for him as he prepares for his Champions League opener against Copenhagen on Thursday.

Hjulmand succeeded Erik ten Hag at the Bundesliga club, with the Dutchman having been sacked after just three competitive games in charge.

It is Hjulmand’s first job since stepping down from the helm of his native Denmark after Euro 2024.

Hjulmand won his first Bundesliga game after his side beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1, finishing the game with nine men.

The 53-year-old admits getting back into football holds special significance to him.

He told a press conference: “It means a lot to me. It was difficult to get back into club football.

“But Leverkusen is a club that knows me so well, that I know so well, so it was a good fit. I want to continue supporting the club’s philosophy, including the development of very talented young players.

“I don’t think I would have agreed to a different club.”

Copenhagen coach Jacob Neestrup feels the appointment of Hjulmand as the new Leverkusen manager will have taken the element of surprise away from their opening Champions League match of the campaign.

Neestrup is in no doubt Hjulmand will be relishing a return to club football at the highest level, having guided Nordsjaelland to a first Danish Superliga title in 2012.

“He knows what he is getting into,” Neestrup said.

“He knows the game. He knows about European nights as a national coach but also in club football.

“His arrival has maybe changed the complexion of the game because Leverkusen now have a Danish coach who is well aware of this stadium and these players.”