Carles Martinez Novell suspended for OL, to watch last TFC home match from stands | OneFootball

Carles Martinez Novell will serve a touchline ban on Sunday, so his last home outing in charge of TFC will be from the Stadium seats against OL at 21:00.

According to L'Équipe, the 41-year-old Spaniard reached five yellow cards after being booked in the Coupe de France semi-final lost 1-4 at Lens on 21 April, triggering a suspension. He will not extend his contract, and Sunday will be his 120th match at the helm in all competitions.

He acknowledged the timing with a wry smile and said the occasion would feel special. He planned to take it in as a spectator and even suggested a win might come easier, a nod to TFC’s patchy home return of five wins, six draws and five defeats in 16 Ligue 1 matches this season.

He noted it is better to be on the touchline to convey instructions and emotion, but accepted that viewing from the stands can help tactically. He expressed full trust in Jordan Galtier and what he called an exceptional staff, and said he had no concerns.

Martinez Novell has been here before, spending the final day in the stands at Saint-Étienne last season, which ended 3-2 on 17 May 2025. This time he admitted a growing melancholy that it might be the last, though without anxiety over defeat given TFC are already safe.

He said talks with the club after the semi-final clarified matters last week, and he has since savoured daily exchanges with players and staff. He feels Toulouse has given him everything, considers TFC his team, and wants only the best for the club.

He departs satisfied at having won almost everywhere in Ligue 1, singling out Strasbourg as the last ground ticked off since his arrival, even if Lille slipped his mind. For him, that is a minor footnote beside the memories he takes with him.

Source: L'Équipe