Loic Bade hopes for bigger role under new Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez

Loic Bade sees Bayer Leverkusen’s coaching change as a fresh start and a chance to finally establish himself as a regular starter.

After spending last season largely as a rotation option under Kasper Hjulmand, the French centre-back is determined to convince new boss Carles Martínez of his value.

Speaking openly in a media round, the 26-year-old admitted the previous campaign was difficult to accept.

“This season I hope to play more. I’m trying to give my all on the pitch and play well,” he explained, stressing that his focus is now fully on the season ahead rather than dwelling on past frustrations.

Bade joined Leverkusen last summer from Sevilla for around 25 million euros and started 19 Bundesliga matches, totalling just 1,652 minutes, a modest return for such a significant investment.

With a contract running until 2030, he now has time, but also pressure, to prove he can be more than a squad player. Under Martínez, he views this as the ideal moment to stake a serious claim for a permanent place in the back line and finally match the expectations that accompanied his arrival.