After a slow start to the season, new Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand is asking for patience, explaining that the team is still in a building phase. Despite their recent struggles, which include sitting 11th in the league, Hjulmand remains optimistic about the club’s future as they prepare for their upcoming match against St Pauli.
Under Hjulmand, who took over on September 8, the team has managed a win and a draw. However, this season is a big change from their domestic double-winning campaign in 2024. The coach acknowledges that the team is still a “work in progress” and needs time to adjust.
🏗️ A Time of Change and Rebuilding
Leverkusen’s current form is very different from last season’s success under former coach Xabi Alonso. The departure of key players like Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka, and Jeremie Frimpong has left a big gap. “It is a process. We need time and we need matches,” Hjulmand explained. The team is now focused on integrating new players and finding its footing under new leadership.
🙏 Hjulmand Calls for Patience
The new coach stressed that building a top team doesn’t happen overnight, especially with so many new faces. “A lot of new players, new coaches, that’s how it is,” he said. While he wants to get results in every game, he believes the focus should be on the long-term project. Hjulmand is confident in his squad’s potential, stating, “We are very optimistic and I think we have a great team. We can build an outstanding team but we are still building it up.”
✨ Finding a New Rhythm
Hjulmand sees positive signs every day in training and believes the team is getting “better and better” as the players get to know each other. Despite the challenges, Leverkusen still holds a remarkable record of being unbeaten in 35 consecutive away matches in the Bundesliga. This shows the team’s underlying strength. “I think we have a lot of good minutes in the games but we can do better,” he added, looking forward to their upcoming Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven.
