Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has highlighted the qualities of Erick Ten Hag and welcomed the opportunity to work with the former Manchester United manager following his confirmation as the new Bayern Leverkusen coach following the exit of Xabi Alonso
In an interview with Flashscore, the 24-year-old Nigerian forward praised Ten Hag’s credentials and defended the Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford, highlighting his broader achievements in European football.
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“I’m really looking forward to it,” Tella said. “I think he’s a very good manager. People tend to focus only on what he did at Manchester United, but they forget he won two trophies there — and what he achieved with Ajax was incredible.”
Ten Hag, who famously led Ajax to multiple Eredivisie titles and a UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2019, recently parted ways with Manchester United after an eventful stint in England.
Despite mixed results, Tella sees the appointment as a strong endorsement of the manager’s pedigree.
“To go from Ajax to Manchester United already says a lot about his quality,” said Tella. “Even though things didn’t go exactly as some people hoped at United, the fact that he’s now coming to Leverkusen — especially after someone like Xabi Alonso — shows how highly regarded he still is.”
Tella heads into the new era with momentum, having enjoyed appreciable playing time in 2024/25 season.
The winger contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 38 matches across all competitions, though a better average playing time compared to his performance in Bayern Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten domestic campaign and their maiden Bundesliga title of 2023/2024 season.
Ten Hag replaces Alonso, who departed for Real Madrid a successful stint with Bayern Leverkusen.
Nathan Tella, who thrived under Alonso’s system, is eager to continue developing under another top-tier tactician.
“I haven’t even met him yet — I’ve just seen the pictures of him signing — but that alone has motivated me. It’s another big name in world football, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from him and show what I can do.”
With the 2025/26 season on the horizon, Leverkusen begin a new chapter under Ten Hag, boasting a confident squad.
Tella, for his part, is ready to make his mark once again and build on his momentum of the just concluded season.
“It’s a new manager to impress, and I’m going to give it everything,” he added.
