Hjulmand back at the place of destiny: Bayer's new coach embarks on a "strange" journey

His first official trip as coach of Bayer Leverkusen takes Kasper Hjulmand back to the place where he experienced great victories, but also dramatic moments. However, the new Werkself coach doesn't have much time for sentimentality in Copenhagen.

Emotional memories immediately flooded Kasper Hjulmand's mind. The standing ovations after his departure as national coach a year ago, the great victories with Denmark, but also the dramatic moments at Euro 2021 when Christian Eriksen fought for survival. These are moments that Hjulmand will forever associate with "Parken" in Copenhagen.

That his first official trip as coach of Bayer Leverkusen takes him back to the very place where he experienced thrilling, but also harrowing times, "was probably meant to be," said the Dane with a grin. For years, Hjulmand played Denmark's home games at the arena in the Österbro district; on Thursday (6:45 p.m./DAZN and in the live ticker at ntv.de), he'll be on the other side as a guest for the Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen.

"Of course it's a big deal, but for me it's a football game," said Hjulmand – at least outwardly calm. The 53-year-old also admitted, however, that he would probably "think about it a little more" once he entered the stadium again. It would be "strange" to return to the "Parken."

Little time for big emotions

Hjulmand, who has breathed new life into Leverkusen within a short time after parting ways with Erik ten Hag, can certainly look forward to a warm welcome. "He is always a welcome guest in our national stadium," Denmark's former European champion Flemming Povlsen told Bild. "I am sure that the fans in Copenhagen will welcome Kasper with open arms and great respect because he has done so much for Danish football and Denmark."

But Hjulmand is unlikely to allow himself much time for high emotions. After all, the goal is to cap off the almost perfect start against Eintracht Frankfurt (3-1) with a Champions League triumph. After the first win under the new coach, "the good feeling" is back, emphasized goalkeeper Mark Flekken: "And we can build on that."

Given the upcoming clashes with Manchester City, Newcastle United, and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, the match in Copenhagen seems almost a must. Hjulmand, who has only been working on his new role in the Rhineland for just over a week, will likely still have his hands full managing the massive overhaul successfully.

"You're always looking for something to 'click,'" emphasized the Dane, who hopes for the patience that the Bayer bosses lacked with his predecessor, ten Hag: "You look for it every day, in every training session, you think about it every minute." But when will it happen? "As a coach, you never know." Perhaps already in Copenhagen. On his emotional return.