SpotlightBundesligaUnverified source· 25 Aug 2026
Leverkusen eye top-four return under new coach Martínez
After a sixth-place finish, Leverkusen turn to Carles Martínez to spark a Champions League push.


Bayer Leverkusen
team
2025/26 finish
6th
New coach
Carles Martínez
First fixtures
Elversberg (A), Union Berlin (H), Augsburg (A)
Pre-season highlight
Wins vs Newcastle, Sevilla, Genk
What happened. Bayer Leverkusen appointed Carles Martínez as head coach and aim to return to the top four in 2026/27 after finishing sixth last season.
- Martínez emphasizes competitiveness over pre-set tactics.
- Pre-season included a 7-0 loss to Brentford but strong wins.
- The club signed several exciting prospects this summer.
“The most important thing is to be competitive and win games.”
— Carles Martínez
Leverkusen open the season away at Elversberg, with hopes of reclaiming a Champions League spot.
In this story
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