
The Werkself also have two friendlies to play before then. The first has already been arranged: At the end of the first week of training, the Leverkusen pros – as in last year’s pre-season – are again away to Regional League Wuppertaler SV. Other friendlies plus all kick-off times and venues will be announced as soon as they are known here at bayer04.de and also on our social media platforms.
1 July: Performance tests (morning), training restart (afternoon)
6 July: Friendly at Wuppertaler SV, kick-off: 17.00 CET
13 July: Friendly
15 to 21 July: Training camp in Zell am See/Kaprun
20 July: Friendly
28 July: Friendly
4 August: Friendly as part of season launch event at the BayArena
9 to 11 August: DFB Cup, Round One (Draw on 15 June)
16 to 18 August: Bundesliga kick-off
17/18 September: Champions League, Matchday 1 (Group stage)

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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