USMNT international Malik Tillman has publicly detailed his frustrations with former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand, sections of the club’s support, and the communication he received from management during a disappointing first season at the BayArena in an interview with the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. Tillman also declined to guarantee that he will remain with his current Bundesliga club.
Tillman intends to assess new head coach Carles Martínez’s methods and plans before making a final decision on his future. The 24-year-old remains under contract through 2030 after joining Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven for approximately €35m last summer. Tillman subsequently registered six goals and one assist across 29 Bundesliga appearances, but never developed into the transformative attacking presence expected following Florian Wirtz’s departure.
His difficult integration was not entirely unexpected. Tillman missed much of Leverkusen’s summer preparations through international duty and injury, leaving his position and suitability for the rebuilt squad difficult to assess before the campaign began. Tillman later worked in several different roles under Hjulmand. The Danish head coach often deployed him deeper than Tillman preferred.
Malik Tillman on his problems with Kasper Hjulmand
Tillman revealed that the coaching change persuaded him to give his Leverkusen career another opportunity. The attacker claimed that he would otherwise have sought an immediate departure after never establishing a productive relationship with Hjulmand.
“Last season went the way it went,” Tillman said. “It’s safe to say now that things didn’t really click between the coach and me. What better fresh start could there be than a new season with a new coach? I can show what I’m capable of and prove myself all over again. I’m trying to have fun again. That’s what I missed last season.”
The American is now attempting to understand how Martínez works and where he might fit into the Spaniard’s tactical plans.
“I’ve come back with the mindset of getting to know the coach and observing how things work,” Tillman said. “How does he work? How does he think? What’s his plan, and what’s his plan for me? In the end, we’ll see whether I stay or not.”
Tillman addresses criticism from Bayer Leverkusen supporters
Tillman also believes many Leverkusen supporters have yet to see his true capabilities. The former Bayern Munich academy player acknowledged that some criticism of his performances was justified, but felt that the reaction frequently became excessively personal.
“I want to prove in Leverkusen what I’m really capable of,” Tillman said. “I haven’t managed to do that so far. I think a lot of fans still underestimate me. I know myself that I’m capable of much more than I’ve shown so far.”
The American temporarily removed Leverkusen-related material from his social-media accounts during the campaign. Tillman insisted that the decision was not intended to signal an imminent departure and instead reflected his discomfort with comments posted beneath his content.
“Of course, you have to accept people’s right to their opinion,” Tillman said. “Some of the criticism was certainly justified. But sometimes people could show a little more consideration, because there’s a human being behind every player.”
“Fans who support the club should stand by the players through thick and thin,” Tillman continued. “Some did that, but a large portion of the reactions were negative. I can handle criticism, but it’s still not always easy to take.”
Tillman invited dissatisfied supporters to address him directly rather than confronting him from behind anonymous accounts.
“Anyone who has a problem with me can come to practice, talk to me after practice, and tell me,” Tillman said. “Behind a screen or on a smartphone, anyone can talk a big game. In reality, things often look different.”
Tillman wanted greater support from Leverkusen management
Tillman also openly criticized the level of communication he received from Leverkusen’s sporting management. The midfielder specifically felt that the club could have offered greater support while he was representing the United States at the World Cup.
“Communication between me and the management certainly has room for improvement,” Tillman said. “Even during the World Cup, I would have liked a little more support. Nobody has to text or call every day. But every now and then, I would have appreciated one or two more messages.”
Tillman now hopes to help Leverkusen return to the Champions League, but his unusually frank interview ensures that questions surrounding his future will persist until he makes a definitive commitment.
