by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kasper Hjulmand is bracing for mixed emotions as he returns to Copenhagen's Parken Stadium on Thursday evening for Bayer Leverkusen's UEFA Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen.

"It's a big thing in Denmark, and I am sure I will feel it when we get into the arena," the 53-year-old said ahead of the game.

Until only weeks ago, Hjulmand lived in Copenhagen before being appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor at the reigning German champions.

"It might be just another football game, but it feels special. As it seems, it must have been like that; our first Champions League game is in Copenhagen," he added.

For Hjulmand, Leverkusen's trip to Denmark is an emotional journey back to his roots and early years in football. His playing career ended at 25 due to knee injuries, but he went on to become Denmark's most renowned coach.

After winning the national championship in 2012 with underdog FC Nordsjaelland, Hjulmand cemented his status at home when he led the national team from 2020 to 2024.

Hjulmand recorded 30 wins in 54 matches in charge of Denmark, a notable achievement for a country of six million people.

"I'd better prepare for mixed feelings," he admitted. "We want to win the game, and I want to focus on the 90 minutes completely, but I don't know if I can handle that."

In November 2024, shortly after resigning as national coach, Hjulmand received an emotional farewell in Copenhagen, with fans cheering for minutes as he stood in front of the stands. "I haven't forgotten what people did for me that evening," he said, though he emphasized the importance of a strong start to Leverkusen's Champions League campaign.

"We are a small nation; things get more intense, and we have to care for each other," he noted.

Despite the emotions, Hjulmand is focused on building momentum after his debut league win with Leverkusen, a 3-1 victory over Frankfurt. ■