Hjulmand's team selections reportedly causes unrest in Leverkusen squad

Kicker.de have reported that Bayern Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand's decision to quickly revert to fit-again Mark Flekken last weekend has sparked an internal debate at the club. 

Following his long knee injury, Hjulmand immediately reinstated Flekken as goalkeeper. This came after the strong performance of his replacement, Janis Blaswich, against Arsenal. 

Hjulmand's decision was perceived within the team and communicated externally as a means of deviating from the principle of merit-based selection typically employed by the coach.

This situation weakens the position of the Dane, who even raised eyebrows among some players in the early months of the year, regularly starting Jonas Hofmann as a right wing-back. 

When Hofmann was also substituted on as a left wing-back in the 4-0 victory against FC St. Pauli, this approach raised further questions within the team.

Conversely, some players felt they weren't getting enough playing time. A situation that can occur under any coach. However, in conjunction with the recent decision against Blaswich, it does not strengthen Hjulmand's standing within the team; quite the opposite. 

The fact that the incomprehension surrounding Blaswich's demotion to the bench has now leaked out from within the team is a clear indication that Hjulmand's position is weakened not only due to the recent lack of progress, but disappointing results in the Bundesliga.