Hjulmand hopes to stay at Leverkusen even if they miss top four

Kasper Hjulmand wants to stay on as Bayer Leverkusen coach even if they miss out on the Champions League. Media reports say the Dane's job is in jeopardy as sixth-placed Leverkusen look to snatch the Bundesliga's fourth Champions League spot on the final day on Saturday. They have to beat Hamburg SV at home and hope VfB Stuttgart and Hoffenheim lose at Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Mönchengladbach respectively.

"I have a contract. I am very, very happy here. There are always ways to do something better.

The future looks very good for the team," Hjulmand, who has a deal until June 2027, told a press conference on Friday. The 54-year-old has not even been in charge for the full season after Erik ten Hag was dismissed early in the campaign. "The headline is that it's not over.

It's not over yet. We definitely want to win this match and are looking with hope at the other two stadiums," said Hjulmand, who confirmed winger Nathan Tella will miss the game. The Dane recalled Xabi Alonso's first season in 2022-2023, where Leverkusen finished in sixth with 50 points - eight fewer than this term.