The Nigerian international Nathan Tella supported Xabi Alonso to have an even more important impact on Real Madrid after his transformer fate of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Spanish, aged 43, returned to his former club, where he once shone as a player, to succeed the legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti for a three -year contract on June 30, 2028.
During his stay in Germany, Alonso led Die Werkself to their very first Bundesliga title during the 2023-24 season, ending an undefeated league campaign and also guiding the team to the UEFA Europa League final.
He also guided the side of Bayarena to victories in the German Cup and the DFL-Supercup, more cement of his reputation for one of the most promising tacticians in world football.
The Super Eagle praised the influence of the Spanish tactician at the same time on and off the field, saying that he helped to deepen his understanding of the game and offered a new tactical perspective after joining the side of the Bundesliga de Southampton.
“Obviously, Alonso is a brilliant manager, there is no surprise. Even last season, before going to Real Madrid, he became interested in many major clubs in world football”, “ Tella said Flashscore.
“But for it to be part of the team (Leverkusen) and to have it as manager, he was able to bring us a different side to the game. We could see the game, in particular, I could see the game from a different point of view.
“And to make him work with us, and now he went to Real Madrid. It is not like we should just forget things, or I shouldn’t forget the things he taught me, because he is a world class manager.
“He has undoubtedly been the best manager in the past two years. I think that some of the things he taught me, not only on the ground, but also out of the field, is precious for my whole life.”
When asked if Alonso had what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Ancelotti and other major managers of the Real Madrid Perfectionist Club, Tella was unequivocal.
“Of course. Of course. You know, I think that even when he got the post at Leverkusen, I don’t think anyone expected what he did with us,” He continued.
“And he was able to do it, and it happened to a point where I don’t think he was even surprised, because you arrive at a point where you know how good you are.
“He has (achieved things) in a very humble way, but he knew that what he was doing, and we were able to continue to do it. So, I would not say that he will fight in Real Madrid. If anything, I think he will go even better than the way he was with us.”
Alonso had less than two weeks with Real Madrid before leading his new team to the United States to participate in the newly enlarged FIFA club World Cup.
There, Los Blancos made an unbeaten impressive race to reach the semi-finals, winning four of their five games. Unfortunately, their campaign ended with a disappointment with a heavy 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, which cost them a place in the final.
Tella entrusting the UCL chances of Leverkusen
After finishing second in the Bundesliga 2024-25 season, Bayer Leverkusen obtained a place in the Champions League next season.
The Nigerian is optimistic about the prospects of the team under the direction of Erik Ten Hag. He thinks that the team understands what it takes to compete at the highest level and is convinced that they can make a deep race in the first club competition in Europe.
Tella added: “I believe that we understand what it takes to reach the first eight and avoid the first rounds with direct elimination.
“We know how we have to play and the level of concentration and determination required in each game.
“To move forward, it is a question of maintaining maturity in our performances and of adopting a killer mentality, of being clear before the goal while preventing the opposition from scoring.
“In the end, it’s about playing with confidence and consistency to succeed.”
Leverkusen will launch its pre-season campaign on Friday with a match against the U20 team from Flamengo at Estadio Da Gavea in Brazil.
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