Bayer Leverkusen are targeting Oliver Glasner as their next head coach, with the club aiming to make a final decision by early June, according to BILD. The former Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt manager is currently considered the leading candidate to take charge in Rhineland.
Leverkusen are in the process of seeking a long-term solution in the dugout after a period of instability, having appointed and subsequently parted ways with Erik ten Hag and, seemingly, Jesper Hjulmand within the last year. Werner Wenning, the club’s sporting director, is reportedly leading the search and is prioritizing a coach who can demonstrate a clear vision for improvement. The club is keen to understand how any new appointment would surpass the work of previous managers.
While Hjulmand’s position isn’t entirely untenable despite failing to secure Champions League qualification, club officials reportedly believe retaining him would send the wrong message and contradict Leverkusen’s stated ambitions. The Dane took over mid-season and oversaw a period of stabilization, but ultimately fell short of European qualification.
Other candidates previously linked with the role appear to be slipping from contention. Míchel, the head coach of FC Girona, is now increasingly likely to join Ajax Amsterdam, with reports suggesting the Dutch club were more proactive in their pursuit. The Spaniard is believed to favour a move to the Eredivisie. Claims linking former Brazil international Felipe Luis with the position are also considered unfounded.
Glasner most recently managed Eintracht Frankfurt, guiding them to a Europa League title in 2022. His tenure was characterized by a pragmatic, attacking style of play and a focus on defensive solidity. Prior to Frankfurt, he spent time in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, where he established a reputation for developing young players. His appointment would likely signal a return to a more established managerial profile for Leverkusen, following their recent, shorter-term appointments. This move could provide Leverkusen with much-needed stability and a clear tactical direction as they aim to challenge for European places in the Bundesliga.
