Carles Martinez Novell appointed Bayer Leverkusen coach until 2028

BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen said on Thursday that Spaniard Carles Martinez Novell has been appointed head coach with immediate effect, replacing Kasper Hjulmand.

The 42-year-old, who left Toulouse at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, has signed a contract that runs until 2028. His arrival comes as Leverkusen continue to change managers since Xabi Alonso departed after the 2024-25 season.

After Alonso's exit, Leverkusen brought in former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of last season. However, his tenure lasted only two league matches before Hjulmand took charge. Hjulmand initially stabilized the team, but he was unable to return the club to the Champions League places.

German media had reported during the season that Leverkusen had already started searching for a new coach. Kicker also reported that the club was close to an agreement with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, but he has since become a leading contender for the Liverpool job following Arne Slot's dismissal.

Work at Toulouse

Martinez Novell had served as assistant to Philippe Montanier when Toulouse won the French Cup in 2024, the first major trophy in the French club's history, before later moving into the top job.

He guided Toulouse to a ninth-place finish in Ligue 1 this season and also led the side to the French Cup semi-finals.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said the club valued the new coach's record of working with young players and believed he fit the next stage of the team's development.

In a statement, Rolfes said:

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

Martinez Novell is due to be presented at an introductory press conference on Friday.