Bayer Leverkusen Turn to Carles Martinez Novell as Coaching Changes Continue

Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Spanish coach Carles Martinez Novell as their new manager, handing him the task of leading the club into its next chapter after another change in the dugout.

The Bundesliga side confirmed on Thursday that Martinez Novell will replace Kasper Hjulmand with immediate effect. The 42-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2028 after leaving French side Toulouse at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

His arrival marks the latest development in a period of instability for Leverkusen following the departure of highly successful coach Xabi Alonso at the end of the 2024-25 season. Alonso left after guiding the club to a historic league and cup double, creating a significant vacancy that Leverkusen have struggled to fill on a long-term basis.

The club initially turned to former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the start of last season. However, his spell proved short-lived, lasting only two league matches before he was replaced by Hjulmand.

While Hjulmand managed to steady the team after a difficult start, he was unable to return Leverkusen to the Champions League positions. Reports in German media suggested the club had already begun searching for a new coach during the season as it looked to reshape its future direction.

Martinez Novell’s appointment comes after speculation linked Leverkusen with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. According to reports, negotiations had progressed significantly, but Iraola has since emerged as a leading contender for the Liverpool job following the dismissal of Arne Slot.

The new Leverkusen boss arrives with growing experience in French football. He served as assistant coach to Philippe Montanier when Toulouse lifted the French Cup in 2024, securing the first major trophy in the club’s history. Martinez Novell later stepped into the head coach role and guided Toulouse to a ninth-place finish in Ligue 1 this season, while also overseeing a run to the semi-finals of the French Cup.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes welcomed the appointment and highlighted the Spaniard’s ability to work with emerging talent.

“Carles is a coach with clear principles and a modern idea of the game. We are convinced that he can provide the right impetus for our sporting future,” Rolfes said in a statement.

Martinez Novell is expected to outline his plans for the club when he addresses an introductory press conference on Friday.