Bayer Leverkusen has found a new head coach and is surprising with a personnel that has not yet been traded. Carles Martínez Novell will succeed Kasper Hjulmand at the Werkself – and wants to be just as successful as his Spanish compatriot Xabi Alonso.
The 42-year-old Martínez Novell, born in Barcelona, previously coached the French first division club FC Toulouse for three years. He will be moving on a free transfer because his contract is expiring and will be retained Bayer Leverkusen a two-year contract until 2028.
Worked successfully in Toulouse
In Toulouse, he had always led the club, which was promoted in 2022, into a secure midfield position over the last three years and achieved a single-digit place in the table for the first time in the past season. While still assistant coach to Philippe Montanier, he won the cup in 2023.
“Of course we followed him intensively beforehand,” said sport-Managing director Simon Rolfes: “Carles Martínez Novell caught our eye because he brought a certain level of consistency to Toulouse and with many young players. Then we sat down after the season and he simply convinced us in the discussions.”
Martinez Novell: “Xabi showed the way”
Martínez Novell was never active as a professional footballer and started his coaching career in the youth departments of FC Barcelona and Espanyol Barcelona. After his time in his hometown, he worked as a youth coach in Qatar and Kuwait before moving to Toulouse as an assistant coach in the 2022/23 season.
“Xabi Alonso showed Bayer how this can work. What he has achieved is of course fantastic,” said Martínez Novell at his introduction. He will still contact his compatriot: “I know Alberto Encinas, Alonso’s assistant coach, and him well. I will still choose him.” His Spanish compatriot Alonso led Leverkusen to the championship in 2024.
Martínez Novell explained his sporting goals: “We talk a lot about possession of the ball, that’s an important topic. You can always create a lot more with the ball.” At the same time, he emphasized that the connection with the fans and a good atmosphere are crucial.
Will succeed Kasper Hjulmand
“If we look at how Spanish club football has developed and how many Spanish coaches have been successful, then we are of course interested in Spanish coaches. We also have a lot of Spanish-speaking players,” Rolfes explained, referring to another coach from southern Europe. Three Spaniards and two Argentinians are in Bayer’s squad and have Spanish as their native language. The new coach also speaks French and English.
Martinez Novell replaces Dane Kasper Hjulmand. The 54-year-old took over Bayer from Erik ten Hag after the second matchday and stabilized them with a strong first half of the season, but the second half of the season was disappointing. “We would like to thank Kasper for what he has achieved. He took over the team in a difficult phase. But the last few weeks have made us no longer believe in further cooperation,” said Rolfes. The team ultimately missed qualifying for the Champions League again.
Our sources:
- Bayer Leverkusen press conference
- WDR information
- sports information service
- dpa
Broadcast: WDR.de, “Leverkusen introduces new coach Carles Martinez“June 5, 2026, 1:20 p.m
