Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly poised for a significant change in leadership as Kasper HjulmandCoach·Kasper Hjulmand's tenure as head coach appears to be nearing its conclusion. The former Denmark national team coach is facing dismissal following a period of inconsistent results that have severely hampered the club's aspirations for UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification.
Hjulmand, 54, was appointed in September 2025, stepping in after Erik ten HagCoach·Erik ten Hag's brief stint at the club ended just two matchdays into the current campaign. Despite signing a contract until 2027, Hjulmand has struggled to replicate the success that saw the Werkself clinch the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga title in 2024. Internal concerns regarding his suitability have reportedly intensified over recent months, culminating in a damaging 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart that has all but extinguished Leverkusen's hopes of a top-four finish.
As of May 2026, Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen sits in 6th place in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga with 58 points after 33 matches, placing them in a UEFA Conference LeagueCompetition·Conference League play-off position. They trail Stuttgart and HoffenheimTeam·Hoffenheim by three points in the race for the final Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League spot, heading into the season's decisive matchday.
In the search for a successor, former ChelseaTeam·Chelsea and Atlético Madrid defender Filipe LuisPlayer·Filipe Luis has emerged as a priority target for the Leverkusen board, according to Sky reports. The 40-year-old Brazilian transitioned into management with FlamengoTeam·Flamengo in September 2024, where he achieved immediate success, securing both the league title and the prestigious Copa Libertadores before his departure in March. Leverkusen officials Fernando CarroCoach·Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes are reportedly admirers of Luis, viewing his tactical acumen and winning pedigree as an ideal fit. His current status as a free agent further enhances his appeal.
Alongside Luis, GironaTeam·Girona manager Michel is also under consideration. The 50-year-old Spaniard has garnered attention for his impressive work at the Spanish club since 2021. However, his current involvement in a tense La LigaCompetition·La Liga relegation battle, where only five points separate eighth from 19th place, presents a complicating factor. Michel is widely expected to depart GironaTeam·Girona at the end of the season, regardless of their final league standing, with Leverkusen believing his attacking style aligns with the club's traditions.
Leverkusen's proactive approach underscores the high standards established at the BayArena following their historic 2024 championship season. While the early departure of Erik ten HagCoach·Erik ten Hag was a setback, the failure to secure a top-four finish under Hjulmand is perceived as an unacceptable regression for a club of Bayer's resources and ambition. The board's search is focused on identifying a leader capable of restoring consistency and a clear tactical identity, with a significant overhaul of the sporting project anticipated this summer.
Chicharito (Bayer Leverkusen) takes on Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid) in a Champions League match. Jan Huebner/IMAGO
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