Kasper Hjulmand on Bayer Leverkusen's Approach Amidst Augsburg's Coaching Change

Bayer Leverkusen is preparing to face Augsburg, who recently appointed Manuel Baum as interim coach following Sandro Wagner's dismissal. This situation marks the third time this season Leverkusen encounters a team with a newly installed coach, after encounters with Gladbach and Wolfsburg. Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand downplays the impact of Baum's arrival, stating, "Sometimes everything tightens up a bit after a coach change, but I don’t think the coach's dismissal will have a big effect. We just need to focus on our own game." He criticizes Augsburg's quick decision to fire Wagner, arguing that coaches deserve more time to develop their teams, reflecting concerns about the frequency of premature coach dismissals in the Bundesliga.

Hjulmand reveals that their preparation is primarily centered on their own playing style, with 85-90% of focus, and only 10-15% dedicated to adjusting against Augsburg's new tactics. Despite the high match frequency, Leverkusen players are reportedly not experiencing fatigue, and there is no special tactical change planned to counteract the so-called 'Baum effect.' Hjulmand emphasizes reliance on Leverkusen's established principles for approaching the match.

This stance highlights a strategic focus on internal consistency rather than overemphasizing opponents' disruptions amid coaching changes, presenting Leverkusen's approach as measured and grounded under new competitive circumstances.