Nigeria International Nathan Tella has supported Xabi Alonso to have an even greater impact on Real Madrid after his transforming spell that was in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
The 43-year-old Spaniard returned to his former club, where he once seemed as a player to follow the legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal until 30 June 2028.
During his time in Germany, Alonso led that work itself to their very first Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season, the completion of an undefeated competition campaign and the team also to the UEFA Europa League final.
He also led the Bayara side to victories in the German cup and the DFL-Supercup, which further confirmed his reputation as one of the most promising tactics in world football.
The Super Eagle praised the influence of the Spanish tactic, both on and outside the field, and said he helped to deepen his understanding of the game and offered a new tactical perspective after he joined the Bundesliga side of Southampton.
“It is clear that Alonso is a brilliant manager, there is no surprise. Even last season, before he went to Real Madrid, he was interested in many of the big clubs in world football,” Tella told Flash score.
“But for him to be part of the team (Leverkusen) and having him as our manager, he was able to bring another side to the game. We could see the game, especially me, I could see the game from a different point of view.
“And to let him work with us, and now he went to Real Madrid. It is not as if we just have to forget things, or I should not forget the things he has taught me because he is a manager who is world class.
“He has demonstrably been the best manager in the past two years. I think some things he has taught me is not only on the field, but also outside the field, valuable for my entire life.”
When asked whether Alonso needs what is needed to follow in the footsteps of Ancelotti and other big managers at the perfectionist club Real Madrid, Tella was unambiguous.
“Of course. You know, I think even if he got the job at Leverkusen, I didn't think anyone expected him to do what he did to us,” he went on.
“And he was able to do it, and it came to a point that I didn't think he was even surprised, because you come to a point where you know how good you are.
“He was (achieved things) in a very modest way, but he knew what he was doing was working, and we were able to keep doing it. So I would not say that he is struggling to Real Madrid. If there is something, I think he will be even better than how he was with us.”
Alonso had less than two weeks at Real Madrid before he led his new team to the United States to participate in the newly extended 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
There Los Blancos went on an impressive undefeated run to reach the semi -final and win four of their five games. Unfortunately, their campaign ended in disappointment with a tough 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, which cost them a place in the final.
Tella self -confident from the UCL opportunities of Leverkusen
After the second place in the Bundesliga season 2024-25, Bayer Leverkusen has secured a place in next season's Champions League.
The Nigerian is optimistic about the prospects of the team under the leadership of Erik ten Hag. He believes that the team understands what is needed to compete at the highest level and is convinced that they can make a deep run in the Premier Club competition of Europe.
Tella added: “I believe we understand what it takes to achieve the top eight and to avoid the early knockout rounds.
“We know how to play, and the level of focus and determination requires in every game.
“In the future it is about maintaining adulthood in our performances and accepting a murderous mentality, being sharp to the goal, while it also happens that the opposition scored.
“Ultimately, it's about playing with trust and consistency to achieve success.”
Leverkusen will start their campaign for the season on Friday with a match against the U20 team of Flamengo in the Estadio da Gavea in Brazil.
Shina Oludareflash score News