Bayer Leverkusen is preparing to host Olympique Marseille this Thursday evening (9 p.m.), on the occasion of the fourth day of the league phase of the Europa League. A special meeting for Carles Martínez Novel, who will return to French training after his departure from Toulouse FC. But he is not the only one to find a Ligue 1 club, since Guéla Doué (already withdrawn), Facundo Medina, and Afonso Moreira will also return to the Vélodrome. And if the ex-Marseillais regained color before facing his former club, the ex-Lyonnais is going through a much more complicated adaptation.
A statistical report below expectations
Arriving from Olympique Lyonnais for an amount of around 30 million euros, likely to reach 33.6 million with bonuses, the Portuguese was particularly expected in Germany, especially after a successful preparation under his new colors. It must be said that his performances in the Rhône were enough to arouse enthusiasm: eight goals and eleven assists in 37 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-2026 season. But the change of scenery is accompanied by a certain frustration for the moment. After 13 official matches and around 844 minutes played in his new colors, the 21-year-old still has an empty goal tally, despite three assists.
Moreira’s problem is not his investment. The local press highlights his enormous volume of work, his intensity and his ability to multiply efforts, even after several unsuccessful attempts. His 147 sprints and 122 duels contested bear witness to this generosity, which is notably reminiscent of that of his young teammate Ibrahim Maza. But in the last meters, the Portuguese struggled to make the right choices. Against Stuttgart on October 31, he attempted six strikes, the highest total for his team, without managing to find the net. A new frustrating performance which perfectly illustrates his current difficulties.
Bayer Leverkusen is concerned
An observation that is starting to cause reactions internally. “He forces the goal too much. He makes considerable efforts, but without success. This is not unusual. He must be more patient and more relaxed. His intensity and commitment to the team is fantastic. He has to make it easier for himself, and the opportunity will present itself, the ball will come to him.explained Simon Rolfes, sporting director of the German club. Coach Carles Martínez believes that “It’s difficult for him. He caused a lot of problems for Stuttgart and I think he had a very good match. But I have the impression that the last step is worrying him now. He may be thinking about it too much, he needs to relax more on these points.he said after the defeat in Stuttgart on Saturday (2-4).
The main person concerned does not hide his annoyance: “I am a player who likes to score. This feeling of absolutely wanting to score is not always useful. But I try not to let it get down and keep fighting. The goals and assists will come soon. Of course, there is always a bit of pressure when you play for Leverkusen, when you play football. Maybe that’s why I feel like this right now.”. Despite the encouragement displayed by its leaders, time is starting to count for the man who arrived with the label of a promising recruit. Facing his former championship and OM, Moreira will have the opportunity to find the spark and continue the good form of the Werkself in the Europa League.
