Bayer 04 Leverkusen has officially appointed Carles Martínez Novell as their new head coach, following the departure of Kasper Hjulmand. The announcement came on June 4, 2026, with Martínez set to take over on July 1, 2026, under a two-year contract running until June 30, 2028. This transition marks a new chapter for the club, which narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification last season.
Why it matters: Martínez's appointment signals Bayer Leverkusen's ambition to strengthen their competitive edge in European football. After finishing sixth in the Bundesliga, the club aims to reclaim its status among the continent's elite.
Martínez joins Leverkusen after three successful seasons with Toulouse in Ligue 1, where he developed a reputation for a fluid playing style and a focus on youth development.
The club finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season, qualifying for the 2026/27 Europa League, highlighting the need for a fresh approach.
Leverkusen is looking to build on the successes achieved under Hjulmand, who led the team to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.
Driving the news: The decision to appoint Martínez follows the sacking of Hjulmand after just one season in charge. Hjulmand's tenure ended with a mixed record, having won 24 of 48 matches, but failing to secure Champions League football.
Kasper Hjulmand leaves after a single season, during which he had a record of 24 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses.
Martínez's coaching career includes notable achievements, such as guiding Toulouse to a memorable victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League.
His experience at Barcelona's prestigious La Masia youth academy is expected to be invaluable in developing young talent at Leverkusen.
State of play: Martínez will inherit a squad that has shown potential but needs direction to achieve its goals. His task will be to instill a modern football philosophy that emphasizes both competitiveness and attractive play.
The new coach is expected to focus on enhancing the squad's cohesion and maximizing the potential of young players, a hallmark of his previous work.
Leverkusen's management, including chairman Werner Wenning and sporting director Simon Rolfes, expressed confidence in Martínez's ability to deliver results.
Rolfes noted that Martínez's clear principles and modern approach make him a perfect fit for Bayer 04's aspirations.
The big picture: Bayer Leverkusen is undergoing a transformation aimed at returning to the upper echelons of German and European football. The club's management believes that Martínez's appointment is a step in the right direction.
With a focus on building a competitive team, Leverkusen aims to solidify its position among Europe's leading clubs.
The club's strategy includes leveraging Martínez's experience in developing young players and fostering a winning mentality.
Martínez's success at Toulouse, where he oversaw the development of numerous talents, aligns with Leverkusen's long-term vision.
What they're saying: The reactions to Martínez's appointment have been largely positive, with club officials expressing optimism about the future.
Werner Wenning thanked Hjulmand for his contributions, acknowledging the important milestones reached during his tenure.
Simon Rolfes highlighted Martínez's successful track record in nurturing young talent and creating cohesive teams, stating, "Carles is a coach with clear principles and a modern playing philosophy."
Fans are hopeful that Martínez will bring a new dynamic to the team, revitalizing their ambitions for the upcoming season.
By the numbers: Key statistics from Martínez's coaching career and Leverkusen's recent performance underline the significance of this change.
Martínez led Toulouse to three consecutive mid-table finishes in Ligue 1, demonstrating stability and growth.
Leverkusen finished sixth in the Bundesliga, securing a spot in the 2026/27 Europa League.
Hjulmand's record at Leverkusen included 24 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses over 48 matches.
What's next: As Martínez prepares to take charge, the focus will be on building a competitive squad for the new season.
Leverkusen's first competitive match under Martínez will be in the DFB Cup first round, scheduled for August 21-24, 2026.
The Bundesliga season kicks off the following weekend, where expectations will be high for the new coach.
Fans and management alike are eager to see how Martínez's tactical approach translates to success on the pitch.