Hofmann sees Hjulmand's next signal

It was only a brief cameo, but it still carried major significance for Jonas Hofmann.

In Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw against his former club Borussia Mönchengladbach, the 33-year-old entered the pitch in the 84th minute with his team leading 1-0. The result may not have gone Bayer’s way in the end, but for Hofmann personally, it marked an important step: his first appearance of the season, and with it, a glimmer of hope after months of frustration.

Last season, under Xabi Alonso, Hofmann endured a campaign that tested his patience and professionalism. Despite joining Leverkusen with high expectations, he quickly slipped down the pecking order. While the team surged toward a historic double winning both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal Hofmann often found himself on the sidelines, playing little more than a supporting role. For a player with his pedigree, technical skill, and intelligence, it was a difficult period, and frustration inevitably grew as younger teammates secured the spotlight.

His return against Gladbach carried emotional weight. Not only did it come against the club where he had enjoyed six fruitful years, but it was also accompanied by warm applause from the fans. Hofmann described this reception as a “signal” a sign that his contributions to Leverkusen’s 2024 success had not been forgotten. For him, it was validation that supporters still value his experience, composure, and ability to influence matches, even if his role has diminished.

The man who gave Hofmann this chance was Kasper Hjulmand, Leverkusen’s new head coach and a figure with whom Hofmann shares history. The two previously worked together at Mainz during the 2014/15 season, and Hjulmand has long spoken of his admiration for Hofmann’s qualities. Ahead of Bayer’s recent Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen, Hjulmand was quick to emphasize that age does not define the midfielder’s future. “I consider Jonas a great player who still has a lot of potential. I don’t believe that his age means he’s already finished,” he said.

Hjulmand’s trust was underlined against Gladbach. Even if Hofmann’s introduction was influenced by circumstances with Exequiel Palacios still sidelined long-term and midfielders Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Fernández both suspended the Dane’s decision to bring him on was more than just necessity. It was a message: Hofmann still has a role to play in this Bayer side.

The competition he faces is fierce. Younger attacking midfielders like Eliesse Ben Seghir (20), Claudio Echeverri (19), and Ibrahim Maza (19) offer dynamism, flair, and unpredictability. They bring fresh energy and the kind of fearless dribbling that excites fans. Hofmann, by contrast, is not as explosive or inventive in one-on-one situations. Yet what he lacks in youthful exuberance, he makes up for in maturity. With over a decade of Bundesliga experience and countless high-pressure matches under his belt, he provides something his younger colleagues cannot: reliability. He is less likely to lose the ball cheaply, less prone to rash decisions, and more capable of controlling the tempo in tense moments.

This was precisely why Hjulmand turned to him against Gladbach. Protecting a slender lead requires calmness, ball security, and discipline attributes Hofmann embodies. Even though the team ultimately conceded late, the decision showed that his coach trusts him to bring stability when needed. Looking ahead, that quality may prove essential in specific matches, especially against opponents who thrive on capitalizing on turnovers.

Saturday’s upcoming clash with FC St. Pauli is one such example. The Hamburg-based side, newly promoted and full of confidence, are renowned for their compact defensive shape and rapid counterattacking transitions. Against such an opponent, Bayer cannot afford reckless giveaways in midfield. Here, Hofmann’s experience could prove invaluable. While the likes of Ben Seghir and Echeverri are more exciting options, their tendency to take risks could leave Leverkusen vulnerable against a team designed to punish mistakes.

For Hofmann, the situation remains delicate. At 33, he knows that opportunities may be limited and that competition for starting spots will remain intense. Yet the recent signs point to a coach who values his skill set and is willing to integrate him when the situation demands. His recovery from the thigh injury sustained during preseason has also cleared the way for a more active role in the weeks ahead.

The broader question is what Hofmann’s role will be in Leverkusen’s long-term plans. Can he re-establish himself as a regular contributor, or will he remain a trusted veteran used in select scenarios? Much will depend on his ability to stay fit, adapt to Hjulmand’s system, and prove that his experience outweighs any decline in physical sharpness.

For now, however, Hofmann has every reason to feel encouraged. The applause from the fans, the backing of his coach, and the minutes on the pitch all suggest that his story at Bayer Leverkusen is not yet finished. As the season unfolds, he may not be the headline act, but in a team chasing silverware on multiple fronts, players like Hofmann dependable, disciplined, and unafraid of responsibility often prove just as important as the rising stars.