Kasper Hjulmand talks tactics, leadership and midfield deployment for the next Bundesliga match

New Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand showed some interesting tactics in the 2-2 Champions League draw against FC Copenhagen last night.

New Bundesliga club Hjulmand had a sluggish start against FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium. To revive his team, Hjulmand used two sets of double substitutions.

First, Ibrahim Maza and Aleix Garcia replaced Malik Tillman and Exequiel Fernandez in a direct exchange in the 51st minute. Shortly afterwards, Ernest Poku and Claudio Echeverri came on for Loïc Badé and Eliesse Ben Seghir in the 67th minute. This led to the move from 3-4-3 to 4-2-3-1. Hjulmand’s Werkself showed a little more energy, but still didn’t score a goal in action.

Tactical adjustments bear fruit

Another impressive free-kick from Alejandro Grimaldo and an own goal from Copenhagen defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos saw Leverkusen take a point on their 2025/26 Champions League debut. Get German Football News attended Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

When asked about the personnel issue, Hjulmand openly considered several options. Midfielders Robert Andrich and Exequiel Fernandez find themselves suspended for the next league match against Gladbach after being sent off against Frankfurt last Friday. Exequiel Palacios is injured. Garcia remains the only central midfielder Hjulmand can count on.

Crucial decisions to make

Given Hjulmand’s need to maintain automaticity and, in his words, «simplify things», it seems that the strategy with two midfielders in a double six will remain the strategy. Hjulmand listed several specific players who could work alongside Garcia.

After Grimaldo’s set-piece success, Hjulmand compared the Spaniard to one of the most famous Danes to ever work with him. Hjulmand also confirmed that Grimaldo will wear the captain’s armband on Sunday in Andrich’s absence.

A leader on the field

“The way he hits those shots is top-notch,” Hjulmand said of Grimaldo. «We had the same feeling with Christian Eriksen every time he had the ball in that position. The way Grimaldo hits the ball with confidence and effect is first class. »

Hjulmand stressed that, in his coaching regime, the leadership role will be distributed. “Leadership strength must come from more than one person. It must come from a group of players ready to take responsibility and help the team and other players progress. »

“We’ll see in the next few months,” concluded Hjulmand. «There could be other captains on the pitch. But for Sunday it will definitely be Grimaldo.»

Conlusion

In conclusion, Hjulmand’s Bundesliga debut against FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium highlighted both the challenges of a sluggish start and the tactical flexibility he is willing to employ in pursuit of improvement. Faced with a lack of rhythm and attacking sharpness, he reacted decisively rather than waiting for the match to drift further away. The double substitutions—first introducing Ibrahim Maza and Aleix Garcia, then Ernest Poku and Claudio Echeverri—signaled a clear intent to inject energy, creativity, and a new structural balance into the team.

The shift from a 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1 demonstrated Hjulmand’s adaptability and recognition that the initial setup was not producing the desired control or penetration. By reinforcing the midfield and reorganizing the attacking line, he aimed to stabilize possession while increasing the threat between the lines. The changes did bring a noticeable uptick in intensity and forward movement, suggesting that the tactical adjustment was directionally correct.

However, despite the improved dynamism, the decisive breakthrough remained elusive. The inability to convert renewed energy into tangible scoring opportunities underscores that tactical changes alone are not always enough. Execution in the final third, composure under pressure, and sharper decision-making will be crucial areas to refine moving forward.

Ultimately, this match may serve as an important early lesson in Hjulmand’s Bundesliga campaign. It showcased his proactive management style and willingness to act, even if the immediate reward was limited. Over time, as players grow more accustomed to his system and transitions between formations become more fluid, such adjustments could yield more decisive outcomes.