Bundesliga: Kasper Hjulmand succeeds Thomas Tuchel as Mainz head coach
Mainz have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach following Thomas Tuchel's resignation.
Last Updated: 15/05/14 2:14pm
The 42-year-old Dane has signed a three-year contract with the Bundesliga side and will join them from Nordsjaelland at the end of the current Danish Superliga season.
Hjulmand will be in Mainz on Monday for his official unveiling.
"Kasper Hjulmand fits the profile we had drawn up for our new coach perfectly," said Mainz's general manager Christian Heidel.
"He has a great knowledge of the game, is a hard-working and considered coach and an advocate of attacking football.
"Furthermore, he enjoys an excellent reputation in his home country as a developer and trainer of young players.
"We're really delighted that we've succeeded in convincing him to join. We're certain he will be able to carry on the successful work undertaken by Thomas Tuchel."
Tuchel in January informed Heidel that he would be stepping down from his position at the end of the season.
But his resignation was not accepted by Mainz, who insisted he would have to respect the final year of his contract.
However, the appointment of Hjulmand confirms that Mainz no longer expect Tuchel to change his mind, despite his achievement of leading the club into the Europa League.
Hjulmand already has experience of European football having qualified Nordsjaelland for the Champions League as Danish champions in 2012.
"When I decided I would be leaving Nordsjaelland and seeking a new challenge, I wanted to wait for the right club to come along," Hjulmand said.
"Then I got the offer from Mainz. I'd been following the Bundesliga and already had an idea about this club.
"Then, during talks with Christian Heidel, I got to know the club better and I was surprised how well their philosophy matches mine. Joining Mainz was something my heart told me to do."
