Bayer 04 released Metaxas (pictured above with Markus von Ahlen) from his role as coach with the U17 to U19 teams after an official approach from Darmstadt on Friday evening. Together with the previous Bochum U19 coach Grammozis, Metaxas is expected to help the Lilies move up from the bottom third of the table.
"Iraklis Metaxas has done a brilliant coaching job with us along with Markus von Ahlen, Patrick Weiser and Jan Hoepner," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes. "It's recognition of that work and a great chance for Iraklis to be able to show his qualities at such an established pro club in the second division," added Rolfes. And Helmut Jungheim, as director of the Leverkusen Academy added, "IIraklis has contributed a lot of ideas as an experienced and proficient coach over the past two and a half years. We will make a decision about his successor in the next few days."
For Metaxas, the move to Darmstadt represents the next step in his coaching career. "I had a great time at Leverkusen. I'd like to thank everybody involved for all the great work we've done together and I wish Bayer 04 every success both at the first team and youth levels."
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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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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Bayer 04 plans for the 2026/27 pre-season continue to take shape. The Werkself will kick off the new season in mid-July with the return to the training ground. The highlight will be the official season opener on 8 August at the BayArena, including a friendly against La Liga club Sevilla. Friendlies in Germany will take the team to neighbouring Monheim, Offenbach and Jena.
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