…the busy fixture list in the past and coming months: Everything has lacked rhythm over the past few weeks and it hasn't always been easy mentally. Now we have to focus completely on the next task. And that's the Europa League. We have to look at this competition on its own separated from what's happened and what's coming next.
…the target in Europa League: It's about winning a title. The hunger is there, the passion is there. We want to play ourselves in and develop over the games so that we can perhaps get through to another final this season. But first of all there's a challenge against Glasgow (Rangers) and we want to come out on top in that game.
…the international competition, which is partly still involved in league matches up to August and will go into the Europa League after several double fixture weeks: It can be an advantage to be on a run of games. But it can also be an advantage to have had two weeks holiday. We'll see. We see the opportunity to recover as an advantage to us. The break was important and we needed it. And now we are preparing as best as possible for the coming challenges.
…the coming season with a lot more double-fixture weeks in view of his history of injuries: Unfortunately it hit me again this season. That's why I don't want to look too far into the future. We are facing a tough programme – as is everybody. I'm trying to strengthen myself through the games in the Europa League so that I can go into the coming season with a good feeling. There's also a short timescale with this. So you don't really know how far into the future you should look. The best thing is to take it week by week.
…the transfer rumours surrounding Kai Havertz: It was clear to all of us that the speculation about Kai would increase over the course of the season. At the moment, it is the case that he’ll play for us in the Europa League and I assume he'll put in good performances again. There are definitely discussions with different clubs and perhaps he's already made a decision. But that's not the end of the matter. It hasn't changed anything for us players: He's part of our team and we are glad to have him.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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