Nathan Tella backs Erik ten Hag to succeed at Bayer Leverkusen

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian winger Nathan Tella has expressed confidence in newly appointed Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag, backing the Dutchman to build on the club’s recent success following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid.

Ten Hag was recently unveiled as Alonso’s successor at the Bundesliga champions, but the appointment has drawn mixed reactions due to his mixed tenure at Manchester United.

Tella, who played a key role in Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign, said he is optimistic about working under Ten Hag and dismissed the criticism surrounding his managerial record.

“I’m looking forward to it [playing for Ten Hag] a lot. I think he is a very good manager,” Tella told Flashscore.

“I know, obviously, people are short-sighted and look at only what he’s done at Man United, but people forget he’s won two trophies with them, and what he did with Ajax.”

The 24-year-old also pointed to Ten Hag’s successful spell at Ajax and the fact that he was hired by Manchester United as evidence of his managerial pedigree.

“To even get a job at Manchester United from Ajax shows he must be doing something incredible,” he said.

“Even if it didn’t go the way people wanted, getting the Leverkusen job shows he’s still considered a high-quality manager—especially given who he’s replacing.”

Tella is hoping to secure more playing time under the new manager and help Leverkusen maintain their dominance in German football next season.