Bundesliga: Ninth gives victory: Hjulmand and Bayer freedom

The premiere for Kasper Hjulmand could not have run much better. Or? “I would not call it a perfect start with two red cards,” said Bayer Leverkusen’s new coach after the spectacular 3-1 of his team against Eintracht Frankfurt and smiled. The 53-year-old was clearly seen how relieved and satisfied he was.

Bayer weakened the references to Captain Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Fernández (both yellow-red). However, victory for ninth can be worth more than just three points.

Hjulmand praises the character of his team

Leverkusen showed impressive resistance. That welds together. “What really showed today was character – very strong character of our team,” said Hjulmand. This can be built on.

The Danish successor of two-month mission understanding Erik Ten Hag had only two days to prepare the team for the first game under his direction in training. He used them. He did not practice complicated tactical subtleties. Instead, Hjulmand made something much more important.

Strong Tella about freedom: “This is a nice feeling”

“He gave us a lot of trust,” said offensive player Nathan Tella, who was the most striking Leverkusener with double scorer Alejandro Grimaldo. “The coach made us feel free to be free to play freely. He gave us the opportunity to express ourselves on the pitch,” added the offensive man, who kept stressing the Frankfurters with speed runs and dribbling. “It’s a nice feeling.”

The players on the square “could not run around with a full head and think about what the coach wants,” said Hjulmand. He pretends to have a structure and otherwise leave the professionals great freedom. “Be yourself, press yourself out. This is football. That is what I like to see,” said the former Danish national coach.

With the responsibility assigned to them, the Bayer professionals, who had only won one point in the first two league games, brilliantly. Best example: Grimaldo.

Hjulmand’s quick return home

His free kick deep in added time at 2-1, the man of the evening could have fit a teammate and could get time out. Instead, he made the decision with a dream goal. Grimaldo spoke about the special situation in the outnumbered and indicated the importance of the experience. “The team has moved together,” said the art shooter.

Unlike in the last game under ten Hag, when Bayer 04 was still playing a 3-1 lead at Werder Bremen, the Leverkuseners now defended strongly in the collective. The team, which is almost completely newly formed after numerous departures and additions, really fueled self-confidence for the first time. Before the game through Hjulmand’s speech, in the game through the joint success.

“This is the trust that we want to take to the Champions League – and the further season,” said Tella. On Thursday, the first appearance of this season in the premier class is on the program for him and his teammates. It will be a very special encounter, especially for Hjulmand: Leverkusen competes in the home of the coach at FC Copenhagen.