Arsenal are looking to take a step towards the Champions League quarter-finals when they face Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. The Gunners, who needed a late strike from Eberechi Eze to beat Mansfield Town in their previous outing, face a Leverkusen side that has won just one of their last five matches in all competitions since the end of February. Leverkusen drew 3-3 away at Freiburg on Saturday, coming from behind twice before leading, only for Matthias Ginter to equalise four minutes from time. Coach Kasper Hjulmand described the match as "a good game for the fans, but for me as a coach there was too much turmoil."
The future of Hjulmand remains uncertain, with reports in Germany indicating the club plans to hold a review at the end of the season. Hjulmand was tasked with stabilising the club after Erik ten Hag was dismissed and has steered Leverkusen into the Champions League round of 16 and a DFB Pokal semi-final, while they remain in contention for European places in the Bundesliga. Despite winning 20 of his 36 games in charge, a change of manager cannot be ruled out, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports. "From the summer onwards, the future is open in all directions. It cannot be ruled out that there could also be a change in the head coach position," Plettenberg said. Hjulmand is under contract until 2027. However, sporting director Simon Rolfes is clear that no decision to break with the Dane has been taken. The exact nature of criticism Hjulmand faces within the club remains unclear.
It was a good game for the fans, but for me as a coach there was too much turmoil. We started very well and then showed a strong mental reaction after going behind twice. We started well again in the second half and had good control. After the 3-2 goal, Kofane had a great chance to score a fourth. We had to defend hard in the final phase. We're disappointed with the result, but Freiburg also did very well.