Toulouse Football Club has announced that head coach Carles Martínez Novell will leave the club at the end of the current season. The Ligue 1 side confirmed the news in an official statement on Tuesday, stating that their collaboration with the Spanish coach "will come to an end and will not be extended." Novell, whose contract expires this summer, will oversee the final matches of the 2025-26 campaign before departing.
Novell originally arrived at Toulouse in July 2023, taking the helm after serving as an assistant to Philippe Montanier. His tenure included a memorable run in the Europa League, most notably a famous 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the Stadium de Toulouse, a result that will stand as a highlight of his time in charge. Prior to becoming head coach, he was part of the staff that guided the club to victory in the 2022-23 Coupe de France.
According to reports from L'Équipe, Novell is already a target for a potential return to Girona, the club where he previously worked as an assistant and which currently sits 15th in La Liga. His anticipated departure signals the beginning of a significant summer of change for Toulouse, who are now actively searching for a new manager to lead the project forward.
The club's management has reportedly compiled a shortlist of potential successors. Information from Le Figaro suggests that Toulouse's primary target is Olivier Pantaloni, who will not continue as manager of Lorient next season. Other names under consideration include former Rennes coach Julien Stéphan and Christophe Pélissier, the current manager of AJ Auxerre. The swift identification of candidates indicates Toulouse's desire for a seamless transition ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Novell's exit marks the conclusion of a three-year cycle for Toulouse, which saw the club consolidate its top-flight status and enjoy notable European nights. The search for his replacement comes at a crucial time, with the club aiming to build on its recent foundations and progress further in Ligue 1. The decision not to renew his contract suggests the Toulouse hierarchy is seeking a new direction, with the incoming coach tasked with implementing a fresh tactical approach and potentially revitalizing the squad during the upcoming transfer window.
