"The U19s are of central importance for us in the transition from junior football to the first team squad. That's why we looked for a coach who has demonstrated his quality in both areas. In addition, he should share our approach to football: We want to play active and attractive football with our teams. Sven Hübscher meets all these requirements," explained Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes.
For Thomas Eichin, director of the youth section, the coach perfectly meets the job requirements. "At Schalke, he worked with the top coach Norbert Elgert and he was very successful with the teams he trained and he helped a lot of highly talented youngsters to gain a foothold in professional football. Beyond that, he's ambitious and a proven team player. We're convinced the U19s are in very good hands with him."
Following an ankle injury, Sven Hübscher started his career as a coach at an early age. When he was 20, he worked as a youth coach with DSC Wanne-Eickel and there he came to the attention of the management at Schalke 04. He joined the Royal Blues in 2000 where he was head and assistant coach with various youth teams. In 2013, he moved up to the first team with head coach Jens Keller and then supported Roberto di Matteo and André Breitenreiter as assistant coach. In July 2017, he moved on to Werder Bremen where he initially looked after the U17s and then the U23s. He was brought in as head coach at Preußen Münster in 2019/20 but his job with the third division club ended after six months.
"The challenge at Bayer 04 really appeals to me. For two decades, a large number of talented youngsters have been brought through to professional football at this Performance Centre," said Sven Hübscher. "I want to play my part in continuing that in the future."
Sven Hübscher will have the support of Slawomir Czarniecki. The 41-year-old started at Bayer 04 and 2000 as a youth coach and currently is the head of first team and youth coordination. The agreement initially runs to the summer of 2021.
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
Show more
Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
Show more
New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
Show more
Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
Show more
