Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen has officially confirmed the appointment of Carles Martínez Novell as the club's new head coach, with his tenure set to commence on July 1, 2026, ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 42-year-old Spaniard arrives in Germany following a three-year spell at French club ToulouseTeam·Toulouse, where he cultivated a reputation for a fluid playing style and a strong emphasis on youth development.
Martínez Novell's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in his formative years at FC BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy. During his time at ToulouseTeam·Toulouse, he successfully guided the team out of the group stage of the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League, demonstrating his ability to manage an internationally diverse squad and achieve continental success.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen, who concluded the 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season in 6th place. This position secures their participation in the UEFA Europa League for the 2026/27 campaign, narrowly missing out on UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification. The club also reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League during the recently concluded season.
The 2025/26 season was characterized by coaching changes at Leverkusen. Erik ten HagCoach·Erik ten Hag began the season at the helm but was dismissed on September 1, 2025, after just two BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga matches. Kasper HjulmandCoach·Kasper Hjulmand then took over on September 8, 2025, guiding the team through the remainder of the season. Leverkusen's recent form in their final five BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga matches was a mixed bag, recording two wins, two losses, and a draw, culminating in a 1-1 draw against Hamburger SVTeam·Hamburger SV on May 16, 2026.
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen's managing director for sport, expressed confidence in the new appointment.
"We carefully considered which coach would be the best fit for Bayer 04's next phase of development. At Toulouse, Carles Martínez successfully developed numerous young players and shaped an internationally diverse squad into a strong and cohesive team."— Simon Rolfes.
Rolfes further elaborated on Martínez Novell's credentials, stating that he "brings considerable technical expertise from his time at the youth academy of FC BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona to Leverkusen. Carles is a coach with clear principles and a modern football philosophy. We are convinced that he can provide the right impetus for our sporting future."
Martínez Novell will become the fourth Spanish national to coach in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, bringing a fresh perspective and a clear tactical vision to the German top flight. His arrival signals Leverkusen's intent to build upon their recent European qualification and challenge for higher honors in the seasons to come.
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