Carles Martínez Takes Charge of Leverkusen
After impressing in France with Toulouse, Carles Martínez Novell arrives in Germany ready to tackle the biggest challenge of his managerial career.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have entrusted their future to one of Europe's most promising young coaches. Carles Martínez Novell joins the Bundesliga side after three successful seasons with Toulouse FC, where he established himself as one of the most respected emerging managers in French football.
A product of La Masía's coaching structure, Martínez built his reputation through youth development. During his time at FC Barcelona, he worked with future stars such as Gavi and Alejandro Balde. His coaching journey also included experiences in Qatar and Kuwait before returning to Europe to continue refining his methods.
His breakthrough came at Toulouse, where he initially served as assistant coach to Philippe Montanier. Following the club's French Cup triumph in 2023, Martínez was promoted to head coach, a decision that proved highly successful.
Despite operating with limited financial resources, he transformed Toulouse into a disciplined, resilient and tactically adaptable side. Under his leadership, the club consistently secured comfortable league finishes and remained competitive in domestic competitions.
One of Martínez's defining qualities has been his commitment to youth development. Several young players flourished under his guidance, reinforcing his reputation as a coach capable of balancing long-term player growth with immediate results.
Now, with greater resources and higher expectations at Bayer Leverkusen, Martínez faces the biggest challenge of his career. His tactical flexibility, modern approach and proven ability to maximize talent make him one of the most intriguing managerial appointments in European football ahead of the 2026-27 season.
