Kasper Hjulmand is anticipated to be relieved of his duties as Bayer Leverkusen manager following the conclusion of the Bundesliga season, with the club set to miss out on Champions League qualification. Sky Germany reports that Leverkusen officials are already compiling a list of potential successors, focusing on two primary candidates: Filipe Luís and Michel.
Hjulmand assumed the managerial role at Leverkusen earlier this season, signing a contract that extends until 2027, but failed to deliver the desired results. The club’s failure to secure a Champions League berth appears to have sealed his fate, despite the length of his contract. Leverkusen currently sit outside the top four, making Champions League football an impossibility.
Filipe Luís, formerly the manager of Brazilian side Flamengo, has emerged as a strong contender. He successfully led Flamengo to both a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title and a Copa Libertadores triumph during his tenure, before being dismissed from his position in March. Sources indicate that Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro and sporting director Simon Rolfes are particularly impressed with Luís’s coaching credentials and tactical approach.
Michel, the current coach of La Liga outfit Girona, is also under consideration. He is widely expected to depart Girona at the end of the season, making him a readily available option for Leverkusen. Michel has overseen a successful period at Girona, establishing them as a competitive force in Spanish football and attracting attention for his progressive tactics.
The potential appointment of either Luís or Michel represents a shift in direction for Leverkusen, as they seek a manager capable of consistently challenging for European qualification. The club will likely prioritize a coach with a proven track record and a clear tactical philosophy as they aim to build a more stable and successful future.
