by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kasper Hjulmand might have noted with pleasure the transfer of Denmark's most popular footballer, Christian Eriksen, to German first-tier side Wolfsburg.

The 33-year-old's signing was announced one day before Hjulmand, Eriksen's former Danish national team coach, faces his first competitive game with his new club. Bayer Leverkusen takes on Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.

Hjulmand's sensitive handling of players and his national team success made him a sought-after candidate for the German champion after its ill-fated project with former Ajax and Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag.

Leverkusen fans now hope for similar achievement from Xabi Alonso, who replaced Gerardo Seoane three years ago and led the club to its first-ever national championship.

"Do-it-like Alonso" seems to be a popular motto among supporters despite significant challenges. Leverkusen must nearly completely restructure its squad after numerous player departures.

"I am a demanding person, counting on discipline, but I never yell," the new coach said. He hopes "things will explode soon after we grow together as a group."

He described himself as highly communicative, "as I can't keep things just to myself."

Sporting director Simon Rolfes expressed confidence that "we can get back on track, although we are short of time."

Along with challenges in the domestic league, Leverkusen faces a difficult 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season. Notably, Bayer's group includes current Danish champion FC Copenhagen on September 18.

Hjulmand's time as a player for Copenhagen's local rival, B93 Copenhagen, is behind him. This time, his task is nothing less than to stabilize a club that has found itself in troubled waters after several difficult weeks.

Rolfes spoke of a pleasant mixture of human skills and football expertise coming with the Dane.

Some observers note that the atmosphere around the team has completely changed. A mood lift seems inevitable as the coach's first appearance could not be more challenging.

Opponent Frankfurt is regarded as perhaps the best-organized team in the German league right now. Hjulmand might be the right man to handle the pressure due to his reputation for managing crisis situations effectively. ■