Bayer Leverkusen appoints Carles Martínez as head coach

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed Spaniard Carles Martínez will take charge as their new head coach. The 42-year-old succeeds Kasper Hjulmand and has signed a two-year contract after leaving French side FC Toulouse. Sporting director Simon Rolfes said: "Carles Martínez has successfully developed numerous young players at Toulouse and moulded an internationally diverse squad into a strong unit." He added: "Carles is a manager with clear principles and a modern approach to the game.

We are convinced that he can provide the right impetus for our sporting future." Martínez's contract in France had expired at the end of the season. Born in Barcelona, he worked with Espanyol and Barça youth teams, had spells in Qatar and Kuwait, and joined Toulouse as assistant manager at the end of 2022 before being promoted six months later.

As head coach he guided Toulouse to 11th, 10th and 9th-place finishes, including ninth last term, and in 2023 as assistant he helped the club lift the cup.

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