Carles Martínez prepares for Bayer Leverkusen debut

Carles Martínez is set to make his competitive debut as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen this Saturday in a DFB-Pokal first-round match against third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden.

After 40 days in the role, the 42-year-old Spaniard is looking to establish his own identity following the tenure of Xabi Alonso. While Martínez intends to utilize the experience of former staff members from the Alonso era, he has emphasized his desire for authenticity, stating, “Neither do I want to be Xabi Alonso, nor will I ever be Xabi Alonso. I am Carles Martínez.”

Having previously built his reputation in youth coaching at FC Barcelona and with FC Toulouse, this match marks Martínez's first major test in the Bundesliga.