Hjulmand relishing Leverkusen's packed schedule
Bayer Leverkusen is hoping to build on its midweek UEFA Champions League comeback at home to Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, and coach Kasper Hjulmand is relishing his side's busy schedule.
Hjulmand's side opened its European campaign with a 2-2 draw against Copenhagen, with Pantelis Hatzidiakos's own-goal salvaging a point in second-half stoppage-time.
It marks the start of a busy period for Leverkusen, which will have to juggle its domestic responsibilities with European commitments, along with the domestic DFB-Pokal cup competition.
"It's a privilege to play all these matches," Hjulmand said in response to a question about the packed schedule.
"We have five substitutions. So there's no excuses. We will be ready on Sunday [Monday AEST] to play a very good match.
"We have experienced [if not young] players who have done it before."
The Leverkusen boss was full of praise for Alex Grimaldo, who netted a stunning 82nd-minute free-kick in the UEFA Champions League to bring his side level for the first time.
With captain Robert Andrich suspended this weekend, Hjulmand confirmed that the Spaniard will wear the captain's armband against Gladbach.
"I just had a meeting with the team leadership council, and Grimaldo will continue to serve as the captain," Hjulmand said.
"I've studied the players, but I have to get to know the players and their personalities in order to get a sense of how they lead.
"As I said last week, leadership is not a 'one-man-band'. It's a team effort. The strength of leadership must come from more than one person.
"It must come from a group of players prepared to take responsibility who want to help the team and other players grow."
However, Hjulmand does have a problem in midfield, with Andrich and Exequiel Fernandez both suspended and Exequiel Palacios out injured.
"We have other players who can play there," Hjulmand said. "Malik [Tillman] can play there. Axel [Tape] can play there. [Lucas] Vasquez can also play there in midfield.
"A player like 'Ibo' [Maza] came from Hertha. He's played in a three-man midfield. He's also played central in a game for us.
"I think we have possibilities to fill out the position with different players with different characteristics. We have good options."
