New Leverkusen coach Martínez to raise 'level' as pre-season begins

New Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez said he already felt a "connection" to the squad after pre-season training started on Tuesday.

The successor to the sacked Kasper Hjulmand had 28 players at his disposal on the training pitch in the shadow of Leverkusen's BayArena. Some World Cup players and recent arrival Kennet Eichhorn were absent, but new signing Afonso Moreira was there.

"I'm starting to feel a real connection with the players and the fans on the pitch," the 42-year-old Spaniard, a former Toulouse coach, told reporters after the session.

Martínez bears a resemblance on the training pitch to Leverkusen's 2024 title-winning coach Xabi Alonso, now at Chelsea. Martínez said he has not yet spoken on the phone with his compatriot, but has talked with two of Alonso's assistant coaches.

Winger Nathan Tella did not want to draw parallels with Alonso.

"No, I think everyone has their own ideas and interpretations. He is very communicative and talks a lot, and that's exactly what we need as a team," said the Nigerian.

"We have new players, including some younger ones, and he gives all of us a clear idea of what he expects from us as a team on the pitch."

After the failed start to last season under Erik ten Hag and missing out on the Champions League under Hjulmand, Martínez hopes to give Leverkusen new impetus. The squad still needs a left back and a right back as they bid to improve on sixth in the Bundesliga last term.

There are several candidates to leave in the wide positions, including Martin Terrier, Ernest Poku and Jonas Hofmann. Captain Robert Andrich has also been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt in the media.

"I want everyone to show their maximum level in the coming weeks and then we will see who can stay here," Martínez said. "I am trying to raise each individual's level as much as possible."

Victor Boniface, who has returned from an unsuccessful loan at Werder Bremen, also wants to prove himself again and looked fit in the first full-team session.

Leverkusen will play six friendlies before their competitive season opener in the German Cup at third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden on August 22.