Bayer Leverkusen make supervisor determination forward of Arsenal Champions League tie
Arsenal travel to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday as Premier League leaders face a Champions League Round of 16 clash amid reports of managerial uncertainty at the German club
Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand is under pressure(Image: Daniela Porcelli, Getty Images)
Arsenal make the trip to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday but the Premier League leaders’ opponents find themselves in uncertain times. According to German media reports, Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand’s future remains unclear, with the club intending to conduct an assessment at the end of the season.
The ex-Denmark boss was charged with bringing stability following Erik ten Hag’s sacking. Hjulmand has delivered at the BayArena, guiding Leverkusen to the Champions League Round of 16 and a DFB Pokal semi-final, whilst they remain in contention for European qualification in the Bundesliga.
Following an encouraging beginning, since late February, the German outfit have experienced a slump, claiming victory in just one of their previous five matches across all competitions.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
This has sparked German reports, particularly from Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, suggesting a managerial switch cannot be ruled out despite the 58-year-old securing 20 victories from the 36 fixtures under his stewardship.
The tweet stated: “Bayer 04 Leverkusen will carry out a review at the latest after the season. This will also take place together with Kasper #Hjulmand.
“From the summer onwards, the future is open in all directions. It cannot be ruled out that there could also be a change in the head coach position. Hjulmand is under contract until 2027.”
Leverkusen enter Wednesday’s clash following their 3-3 draw away at Freiburg on Saturday. The outcome arrived just hours after Arsenal required a late goal from Eberechi Eze to overcome Mansfield Town, with Leverkusen fighting back twice before taking the lead but failing to secure a crucial victory as Matthias Ginter levelled four minutes from the final whistle.
Hjulmand will speak to the media before the Gunners’ visit on Wednesday. However, the Dane was left frustrated by the capitulation against their European counterparts, with Leverkusen remaining three points adrift of Stuttgart in fourth place.
He said: “It was a good game for the fans, but for me as a coach there was too much turmoil. We started very well and then showed a strong mental reaction after going behind twice. We started well again in the second half and had good control.
“After the 3-2 goal, Kofane had a great chance to score a fourth. We had to defend hard in the final phase. We’re disappointed with the result, but Freiburg also did very well.”
