Kasper Hjulmand is officially under contract with Bundesliga soccer team Bayer Leverkusen until the summer of 2027, but in the background the bosses on the Rhine are said to have long been thinking about a change in the coaching bench. According to a media report, a prominent name recently even offered to join – but without success.
As “Bild” reveals, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has told Bayer Leverkusen through his management that he could easily imagine a move to Bayer Leverkusen. The request was then processed directly by Simon Rolfes, Managing Director of Sports, and Fernando Carro, Chairman of the Board of Management.
However, the Bundesliga club’s management duo turned down Real Madrid’s club icon. Although Bayer greatly appreciates the former world-class right-back and has had him on the coaching list for years, they ultimately did not come to the conclusion that the 43-year-old was ready to work for the Bundesliga club.
“Coaching vacuum” at Bayer Leverkusen?
Álvaro Arbeloa once made it to the professional level as a player from the Royal youth team, but his career only took off at Liverpool FC and finally with his return to Real. Among other things, he won the Champions League twice and became European champion with the national team in 2008 and 2012 and even world champion in 2010.
After retiring, Arbeloa started as a youth coach at Real, and in January he was appointed Xabi Alonso’s successor in the first team. However, there will probably not be any further employment. For the new season, José Mourinho should prevent another titleless season in the capital. However, his move from Benfica to Real has not yet been confirmed.
At Bayer Leverkusen there have recently been numerous names circulating that could be considered as possible coaches. Successful Bournemouth coach Iraola may be heading to Liverpool FC, while Oliver Glasner is also not inclined towards a return to the Bundesliga, according to “Sport Bild”. The current situation is now leading to a “coaching vacuum” that is also slowing down squad planning, according to the trade journal.