A memorable first-class outing for the Leverkusen stars at the BayArena ended shortly after 4am on Wednesday morning. There were no difficulties on the way home and with a 2-0 win at Manchester City.
“We will remember this evening for a long time,” said coach Kapser Hjulmand (53) after the win in Manchester.
Leverkusen have a new favorite: Kasper Wundermand!
The Dane has put Werkself on track, getting better game by game. He praised his team: “We have a lot of potential, we can get even better. Wins like against City are fuel for our development.”
Despite huge personnel problems (6 U19 players on the bench), we played Leverkusen brave in Manchester and defended strongly. Bayer exploited the fact that Pep Guardiola (54) risked ten changes to his starting lineup with ruthless efficiency.
Proud coach in press conference after win at Manchester City: Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand (53)
Why are Leverkusen suddenly looking good again?
Bayer’s game is as dominant and varied as under the guidance of Xabi Alonso (44). Alejandro Grimaldo (30) is a hybrid playmaker/left back who has scored 8 goals and 5 assists in 17 games. Midfield tactician Aleix Garcia (28) has long since taken over from Granit Xhaka (33/now Sunderland).
And Hjulmand? Never complain about failure, but find solutions – like against City with the dual leadership of Patrik Schick/Christian Kofane and Ernest Poku on the right track.
“For me Kasper Hjulmand succeeded in forming this new team in a fatherly way,” said Sky expert Didi Hamann (52) to BILD.
Proud winners in Manchester: Bayer Leverkusen players thank their fans
Hjulmand is also chasing Bayern
Hjulmand takes over at Bayer 04 after a major upheaval in the summer and a terrible start to the season that included the expulsion of coach Erik ten Hag (55). Where would the team be now if he was able to lead the preparations?
Hjulmand’s record is extraordinary: 15 competitive matches, 10 wins, 3 draws. In the Bundesliga he started with 22 points from 9 games – a club record. Under his leadership, Leverkusen only lost against top European teams Paris (2:7) and Bayern (0:3). There are lessons learned by the troops.
“We did what Bayern didn’t have in the league,” said goalkeeper Mark Flekken, 32, who was in superb form in Manchester.
If Leverkusen continues like this under Hjulmand, the 2024 champions will again be Bayern’s toughest rivals next season at the latest.
But now it’s all about number 2 in Germany – in the double duel against BVB: Saturday in the league at Leverkusen, Tuesday at Dortmund in the last 16 of the cup.
