Hjulmand named new Mainz boss
Mainz - Kasper Hjulmand has been appointed new head coach of 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a three-year deal.
'Followed my heart'
The 42-year-old replaces Thomas Tuchel, who resigned after steering the 05ers into the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League last weekend, and will join the club from FC Nordsjaelland at the end of the current Danish Superliga season.
"After making the decision to leave FC Nordsjaelland in search of a new job, I wanted to wait for the right club and take my time," the 2012 Danish Head Coach of the Year explained. "Then Mainz came along. I've followed the Bundesliga and have a good impression of the club. After speaking to sporting director Christian Heidel, I got to know the club even better and was surprised how perfectly their philosophy fits with mine. I followed my heart."
For his part, Heidel was in no doubt he has found the ideal successor to the departed Tuchel. "Kasper Hjulmand fits the exact profile we put together when we started looking for a new coach," he said. "He has a high level of expertise, he's meticulous and is a purveyor of attacking football. On top of that, he has developed quite the reputation in his homeland when it comes to developing and nurturing young talent. We're sure he'll be able to continue Thomas Tuchel's good work."
European know-how
Hjulmand, who will hope to steer Mainz through Europa League qualifying in the summer, boasts previous continental experience having overseen 2012 Danish Superliga champions Nordsjaelland in the 2013/13 group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The Aalborg native will be officially unveiled to the press on Monday.
