Bayer Leverkusen hires Carles Martínez Novell as coach

Bayer Leverkusen announced on Thursday the appointment of Spaniard Carles Martínez Novell as its new head coach, replacing Kasper Hjulmand. The 42-year-old Martínez Novell arrives from French club Toulouse, having stepped down at the end of the just-completed season.

Martínez Novell has signed a contract with Leverkusen, with reports indicating a term of either two years or through 2028. He is set to officially begin his duties on July 1. This change concludes a brief, unsuccessful tenure for Hjulmand, who took over last September but was dismissed after failing to secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen finished sixth last season, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.

The coaching change continues a period of significant instability for the German club following the departure of Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to a domestic double, at the end of the 2024-25 season. His immediate successor, Erik ten Hag, was in charge for only a handful of league matches before being replaced by Hjulmand. German media reported that the club had been seeking Hjulmand’s successor during the latter part of the season.

Martínez Novell built his reputation over three seasons at...