Carles Martínez – Head coach
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)
Calres Martínez News
Preparations underway: Martínez and fellow coaches meet at the BayArena
While the 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently in full swing in the USA, Canada and Mexico, plans for the coming season are now underway in Leverkusen. The Werkself’s newly formed coaching set-up, led by head coach Carles Martínez, met up at the BayArena to begin plans for the 2026/27 campaign.
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First interview with Carles Martìnez as Leverkusen head coach
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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Carles Martínez: 'The fans should enjoy our football'
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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Carles Martínez Novell is new Bayer 04 head coach
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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Profile of Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez Novell
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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