Bayer 04 has appointed the Spaniard Carles Martínez as its new head coach with effect from 1 July 2026, offering him a contract running until 30 June 2028. Prior to taking up his post in Leverkusen, Martínez was most recently in charge of FC Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1; before that, he had spent four years working at FC Barcelona’s legendary youth academy, La Masia, in his home town.
Date of birth: 18.05.1984
At club since: 07/2026
Previous coaching positions: EC Granollers youth (Spain), Espanyol Barcelona youth (Spain), FC Barcelona youth (Spain), Al Rayyan youth (Qatar), U20s national team Kuwait, FC Toulouse (France)
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Martínez ahead of Mainz clash: ‘Competitive games are what we really like’
Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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Martínez ahead of home match against RB Leipzig: ‘The most important thing is consistency’
The next home fixture is here: Following the winning start to the UEFA Europa League against NK Celje, the Werkself host RB Leipzig at the BayArena on matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. The match on Sunday, 20 September, kicks off at 15:30 CEST. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the qualities of the opposition and the work being done to improve his team’s performance. The Spaniard also provided updates on Ibrahim Maza and Montrell Culbreath.
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Martínez ahead of home opener: In Europa League with high ambitions
European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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Martínez ahead of the clash with league leaders FCA: ‘We need to be focused and give it our all’
The Werkself are away to FC Augsburg on matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game at the WWK Arena against the current – and for the first time – league leaders of the German top flight is on Saturday 12 September at 15:30 CEST. Ahead of the match, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about this week’s training and the team’s approach to the fixture, as they face an opponent brimming with confidence. The Spaniard also addressed a number of squad matters.
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Carles Martínez ahead of Union Berlin: ‘Want to play with passion, mentality and win’
The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
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