Leverkusen - Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach Carles Martinez couldn’t let go of his love for football even during his own wedding. “On the invitation, it said: Don’t forget your soccer shoes!” he told Süddeutsche Zeitung in an interview and recounted that he had played small games in soccer shoes while wearing a suit and tie at the wedding with his wife. Since childhood, Martinez has been passionate about football. After successful years at FC Toulouse, the 42-year-old joined Leverkusen this summer, following in the footsteps of Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand.
In early 2024, the trainer missed the birth of his child because he was with Toulouse in Metz while his wife remained in Spain. When Martinez' partner went into labor, it became clear that due to the long distance, he wouldn’t make it to the delivery on time.
Martinez's Dream: Years at Bayer
Martinez has signed a two-year contract with Leverkusen until summer 2028. “Of course, I am learning German and practicing every evening with an online app. But since my arrival, I hardly had any free time. My priority is to help the club achieve success. We play in the Bundesliga, European League, and Cup,” said Martinez.
It’s a dream of his to someday coach a team in his home country Spain. “But just as sincerely: My dream here and now is to stay with Bayer Leverkusen for years.” The Werkself starts the new season with a cup match against SV Wehen Wiesbaden, followed by their first Bundesliga game on August 29 (15:30) against the newly promoted SV Elversberg.
