The penultimate weekend of the Bundesliga season turned the spotlight on managers as much as the table. With Champions League places, relegation spots, and European berths still undecided, the fates of several coaches hung in the balance. Bayer Leverkusen's 3-1 defeat at Stuttgart effectively ended Kasper Hjulmand's tenure, while Eintracht Frankfurt's Albert Riera faces a final-day judgment after a turbulent week. Meanwhile, Augsburg's interim boss Manuel Baum may have played his way into a permanent role.
Leverkusen's visit to Stuttgart began promisingly when Aleix García gave them a lead 34 seconds in. But from there, it unravelled spectacularly. Ermedin Demirovic equalised before the fifth minute, and a Maximilian Mittelstädt penalty plus Deniz Undav's goal sealed a win that flattered the visitors. Stuttgart dominated throughout, and the result meant Leverkusen now need a miracle on the final day to snatch fourth place: they must beat Hamburg while hoping Stuttgart and Hoffenheim lose. The performance was a microcosm of their second half of the season – inconsistent and often frighteningly poor.
Hjulmand deserves credit for initially stabilising the team after Erik ten Hag's messy exit, but results in 2026 have been dire. As the source notes, 'the torpor of 2026 means a new direction is required.' His departure seems inevitable, with the club expected to seek a fresh start. Stuttgart, by contrast, have been excellent under Sebastian Hoeness, whose stock continues to rise. Their win showcased 'wit, strength and enterprise,' and they are favourites to hold onto fourth place despite a tricky trip to Frankfurt on the final day.
At Frankfurt, the pressure is on Albert Riera. His team lost 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund, leaving their European hopes dependent on a win against Stuttgart and a slip from Freiburg. The match was marked by a telling moment: after Jonathan Burkhardt scored a late consolation, he retrieved the ball, put a finger to his lips, and then pointed towards the touchline where Riera stood. This gesture hinted at tensions following Riera's six-minute tirade against the media the previous week, in which he accused reporters of misrepresenting his exchange with Burkhardt.
Sporting director Markus Krösche gave a terse 'yes' when asked if Riera would be in charge for the final day, but his demeanour suggested little enthusiasm. German media have been scathing: Kicker's Moritz Kreilinger wrote that if Frankfurt finish seventh, Riera will claim credit, but if not, he will 'blame Frankfurt's failure on his predecessors.' Riera has alienated his audience, and the club's progressive board is well aware.
In contrast, Augsburg's mood is buoyant. Manuel Baum, back for a second interim spell, took over when the team were bottom with 13 points in December. After a 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, they are level on points with Frankfurt and one behind Freiburg, poised to snatch an astonishing European qualification. Sporting director Benjamin Weber said, 'It's absolutely incredible what we've managed in recent weeks.' Baum has strong support in the dressing room and appears likely to stay on.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich won 1-0 at Wolfsburg despite Harry Kane missing a first-ever Bundesliga penalty – Michael Olise scored a stunning winner – while Jonas Urbig kept the strugglers at bay. Heidenheim's 3-1 win over now-safe Köln left the bottom three of Wolfsburg, Heidenheim, and St. Pauli separated by fine margins. St. Pauli lost at Leipzig, and the Saxony side's own European ambitions remain alive.
The final day promises drama: Leverkusen's faint hope requires a dream scenario, Frankfurt need a win and help, and Augsburg could leapfrog both. For the managers involved, the direction of travel for 2026-27 is largely set, with Hjulmand and Riera likely making way, while Baum and Hoeness look secure.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
