Carles Martinez Novell: The driving force behind a steady revolution at Toulouse
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We take a look at the man behind Toulouse's steady revolution over recent years.
Under Carles Martinez Novell, Toulouse FC have been progressing steadily in Ligue 1 McDonald's. After initially struggling this season, Les Violets have surged up the table with a new-found philosophy built on defensive solidity. Adaptability, and a progressive style of play have been hallmarks of Martinez Novell's time at TFC, as he has improved their standings in Ligue 1 in two successive seasons. But what's the story behind the coach, a former developer of the talent raised in Barcelona's famous La Masia.
Martinez Novell’s story begins in rural Catalonia, north of Barcelona, where he nurtured an early obsession with sports. From the age of 14, he juggled coaching local youth teams while playing as a goalkeeper for his hometown club in Llerona. Though talented enough to make two appearances for Catalonia’s youth selection, his height (1.72m) limited his prospects as a professional player. Instead, his coaching aspirations grew, leading to his early career stints with Granollers and Espanyol Barcelona. These experiences paved the way for his recruitment by FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2015.
At Barcelona, Martinez Novell’s meticulous approach earned him accolades as he developed future stars like Ansu Fati, Gavi, and Xavi Simons. “Carles was one of La Masia’s standout coaching talents,” notes Gerard Romero, an influential Spanish journalist in an interview with L'Équipe. Despite his success, Martinez Novell’s tenure at Barcelona ended abruptly due to structural changes within the club’s hierarchy.
La Masia, and a Qatari Odyssey
Following his departure from La Masia, Martinez Novell briefly relocated to Qatar to work with Al-Rayyan’s U19 team, a role that allowed him to refine his methodologies while recovering from the sting of his Barcelona exit. By 2020, he had expanded his tactical expertise, contributing masterclasses for the Catalan Football Federation and sharing his insights on the online platform Nosotros, created by Olivier Alberola.
In 2022, Toulouse FC identified his unique profile through Nosotros and brought him on board as an assistant coach to Philippe Montanier. Martinez Novell’s positivity and high-energy approach immediately stood out—though, as one observer noted, “In France, disrupting the dynamic can sometimes be frowned upon.” Nonetheless, his undeniable passion for football eventually earned him the top job after Montanier’s departure in the summer of 2023.
Under Martinez Novell, Toulouse FC’s bold and tactical playing style mirrors the coach’s dynamic personality. His colleagues praise his ability to distill complex tactical concepts into accessible lessons. “He’s a football fanatic with a gift for clear communication,” says Alberola, now working at Ligue 2 side Red Star FC’s academy.
Les Violets currently sit 10th in Ligue 1, facing AS Saint-Étienne at the Stadium Toulouse on Friday evening before the Coupe de France's Round of 64 to finish off this calendar year. Three points could see TFC break into the top 10 of the league.
