# Carles Martínez coaching debut at Bayer Leverkusen

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/carles-martnez-coaching-debut-at-bayer-leverkusen
> Updated: 2026-08-22T12:58:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Carles Martínez began his tenure as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen with a focus on establishing a unique identity distinct from predecessor Xabi Alonso. Martínez stated, “Neither do I want to be Xabi Alonso, nor will I ever be Xabi Alonso. I am Carles Martínez.”

In his competitive debut during a DFB-Pokal first-round match, Martínez led Leverkusen to a 4-0 victory over third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Following a scoreless first half, Leverkusen scored four goals in the second period through Patrik Schick, Lucas Vázquez, Nathan Tella, and Christian Kofane. During the match, Martínez also appointed Edmond Tapsoba as the club's new captain.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Bayer Leverkusen defeats Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 in DFB-Pokal

Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the second round of the DFB-Pokal with a 4-0 win over Wehen Wiesbaden in Carles Martínez's debut match as head coach.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bayer-leverkusen-defeats-wehen-wiesbaden-4-0-in-dfb-pokal

### 2026-08-20: Carles Martínez prepares for Bayer Leverkusen debut

Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez prepares for his competitive debut this Saturday in a DFB-Pokal match against SV Wehen Wiesbaden.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carles-martnez-prepares-for-bayer-leverkusen-debut

---
Cite as: Carles Martínez coaching debut at Bayer Leverkusen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/carles-martnez-coaching-debut-at-bayer-leverkusen