Ex-Denmark boss hired to clean up Ten Hag's mess

Fairly or not, deservedly or not - Bayer Leverkusen sacked Erik ten Hag after only 62 days and three matches in total on the bench. The Bundesliga side had to react quickly and find a replacement - someone able to clean up the mess the Dutchman left behind him and pick up the pieces of the squad's shattered confidence.

They opted for Kasper Hjulmand.

At first glance, a little-known name in European football. Still, a reputation doesn't necessarily guarantee success. Ten Hag is an example.

Interestingly, the Dane started his playing career in the USA at the University of North Florida before returning to his homeland, where he played for Randers Freja, Herlev, and B.93. Still, his playing days lasted only 11 years. In 1998, at 26, Hjulmand was forced to retire due to a serious knee injury.

After the eight-year break, he returned to football, this time as a coach. Regarding clubs, he led Lyngby, Mainz, and Nordsjaelland (in two spells), with which he achieved the most tremendous success in his career and the club's history, winning their first and only Danish Superliga title in 2012.

Chosen as the worst Leverkusen boss ever

Before joining Bayer, Hjulmand was the head coach of the Denmark national team for four years. He led Denmark to one FIFA World Cup and two European Championships, and even reached the 2020 EURO semi-final, where the Danes narrowly lost to England. However, now, he'll be in for the biggest challenge.

A positive side is that he has experience in the German top flight, but the negatives are numerous. Lever are winless in the opening two Bundesliga rounds and have yet to play against strong rivals. The team's confidence is ruined, and the squad and the new manager will have to get used to each other as fast as possible, given that Hjulmand was appointed just four days ago.

On top of everything, they'll tonight face Eintracht Frankfurt, which have been a genuine "demolition squad" since the beginning of the season.

Master of dismissals – Ten Hag fired after 3 games

Interestingly, the Eagles and Bayer faced the same rivals in the opening two Bundesliga rounds. And while Ten Hag and his men lost to Hoffenheim 2-1 and drew against ten-man Werder 3-3, Dino Toppmoller's crew easily smashed the Sinsheim and Bremen sides 3-1 and 4-1, respectively.

Hjulmand will replace Ten Hag without a hitch, as one can hardly be worse than the former Man United boss. The Dane's problem is that the fans dream of someone who can replace Xabi Alonso - the man who led Lever to their maiden Bundesliga title, first double in history, and the UEFA Europa League final. Those are the shoes the 53-year-old tactician will have to strive to fill, and that'll be the greatest challenge in his career.

BUNDESLIGA - MATCHDAY 3

Friday

21.30: (2.30) Leverkusen (3.80) Eintracht Frankfurt (3.00)

Saturday

16.30: (2.90) Freiburg (3.70) Stuttgart (2.40)

16.30: (5.30) Heidenheim (4.40) Dortmund (1.57)

16.30: (2.75) Mainz (3.35) RB Leipzig (2.55)

16.30: (2.65) Union Berlin (3.50) Hoffenheim (2.75)

16.30: (2.05) Wolfsburg (3.65) Koln (3.75)

19.30: (1.07) Bayern (12.0) Hamburger (30.0)

Sunday

16.30: (2.30) St.Pauli (3.30) Augsburg (3.20)

18.30: (2.00) Monchengladbach (3.90) Werder (3.40)

***odds are subject to change***