Levi Rothermund
Bayer Leverkusen is closing in on a new head coach, with Filipe Luis emerging as the leading candidate to take over at the Bundesliga club. According to Sky, talks between the club’s board and the 40-year-old former Atlético Madrid full-back are underway and moving at pace.
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Luis led Flamengo until early March and is the sporting director’s preferred candidate for the role. The club’s board has concrete fallback options in place, but all signals point toward a Brazilian appointment. Leverkusen’s hierarchy will only confirm Kasper Hjulmand’s departure once the new manager signs.
A Playing Career That Earned Global Recognition
Filipe Luis built his reputation as a world-class performer during his time as a left winger, making 333 competitive appearances for Atlético Madrid and earning 44 caps for Brazil. After retiring at Flamengo on 1 January 2024, he moved directly into coaching at the same club.
Immediate Coaching Success Before a Surprise Exit
In September 2024, Luis took charge of Flamengo’s first team and delivered immediate results. He guided the club to the Brazilian league title and followed that with victory in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League. His dismissal from the star-studded Rio side in March came as a genuine surprise given those achievements.
Hjulmand’s Tenure Falling Short
Hjulmand had taken over at Leverkusen following the sudden sacking of Erik ten Hag, who lasted only two matchdays the previous season. The Danish coach signed a contract until 2027, yet struggled to meet expectations and ultimately missed out on a Champions League berth with Bayer. It has long been anticipated that he would not continue into the new season.
Glasner and Iraola Also in the Frame
Rumours have linked Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola with the vacancy, with Glasner understood to have been sporting director Rolfes’ preferred candidate at one stage. The Austrian has made his ambitions clear, telling RTL/ntv:
“For me, the project is decisive. Can we win the Champions League? That excites me. I’m seeking a challenge.”
That level of ambition may place Leverkusen out of Glasner’s immediate scope. With Luis bringing both the credibility of major silverware and the hunger of a coach still in the early stages of his career, Leverkusen appears to have found a compelling answer to their managerial question. Stay with TipsGG for the latest updates as this story develops.