Tactical Adjustments by New Bayer Leverkusen Coach Hjulmand in Champions League Stalemate

Hjulmand’s Strategic Changes in the Match

Kasper Hjulmand, the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen, made several notable tactical adjustments during last night’s 2-2 draw against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. Leverkusen started the match slowly at Parken Stadium, prompting Hjulmand to implement dual substitutions to invigorate the squad.

Key Substitutions Made

• In the 51st minute, Ibrahim Maza and Aleix Garcia replaced Malik Tillman and Exequiel Fernandez.
• By the 67th minute, Ernest Poku and Claudio Echeverri came on for Loïc Badé and Eliesse Ben Seghir.

These changes shifted the formation from a 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1, adding some energy to Leverkusen’s play, although they still failed to score from open play.

Highlights from the Match

An impressive set-piece goal from Alejandro Grimaldo and an own-goal by Copenhagen’s Pantelis Hatzidiakos secured Leverkusen a point in their Champions League opener for the 2025/26 season.

Upcoming Challenges

In light of their upcoming Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Hjulmand acknowledged the team had limited time to practice the 4-2-3-1 formation.

“We haven’t had much time on the training pitch to try new things or rehearse our alternative strategies,” Hjulmand remarked. “What we implemented during the match wasn’t practiced. When I shifted to a four-man defense, it hadn’t been part of our training yet. We primarily focused on discussions and video sessions.”

Personnel Issues Ahead of League Match

With midfielders Robert Andrich and Exequiel Fernandez suspended for the next match following their dismissals against Frankfurt, and Exequiel Palacios out due to injury, Garcia is currently the sole central midfielder available for selection.

Tactical Considerations for Midfield

Given the necessity to maintain team cohesion and keep his game plan straightforward, Hjulmand seems inclined to utilize a double six formation. He mentioned several players who could take on the midfield role alongside Garcia, including:

• Malik Tillman
• Axel Tape
• Lucas Vasquez
• Ibrahim Maza, who has experience in a three-man midfield

“We have options that offer different characteristics,” Hjulmand noted.

Addressing Team Resilience and Leadership

When questioned about the demanding schedule, Hjulmand expressed confidence: “It’s a privilege to play all these matches. With the opportunity for five substitutions, we will be prepared for Sunday’s encounter. We certainly have players who are experienced enough to handle such challenges.“

Grimaldo’s Role and Leadership Dynamics

Hjulmand also discussed Alejandro Grimaldo’s exceptional skills with set-pieces, drawing comparisons with renowned playmaker Christian Eriksen.

As Andrich is suspended, Grimaldo will wear the captain’s armband on Sunday. Hjulmand emphasized the importance of shared leadership, stating, “Leadership should not rely on a single person. It ought to stem from a collective effort, with multiple players taking responsibility to support both the team and each other in development.“

“We will explore other leadership dynamics over the coming months,” Hjulmand added, confirming Grimaldo’s captaincy for the next match.