Bayer Leverkusen boss praises Tella for performance in UEL victory at Molde

The Super Eagles-eligible star joined Die Werkself in the summer, and he has finally broken the duck

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has praised Nigerian forward Nathan Tella after he scored in their 2-1 victory over Molde, Soccernet reports.

Tella joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in the summer in a deal worth €23.3million. Coach Xabi Alonso has used him sparingly since he arrived, making only three appearances before their game against Molde on Thursday.

Tella was on the starting eleven when Die Werkself travelled to the Aker stadium to play Norwegian giants Molde.

Die Werkself got into the lead in the 14th minute via a strike from Jeremie Frimpong. Then, four minutes later, Tella doubled their lead. The 24-year-old got played through on goal by Adam Hlozek and sent a strong shot into the net to make it 2-0. It eventually ended 2-1 at the Aker Stadium, and after the game, Alonso had good words for the English-born forward.

“The first half was good. Our three strikers did what I wanted,” Alonso said.

“The first goal for Nathan Tella, that was great. We prepared well. There was a moment when we played with the result, not with the game anymore. When you want to defend the result, it can happen like that.”

Following his goal and Alonso’s comments, Tella has a good chance of starting against on Cologne on Sunday.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

2 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

4 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

5 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

9 hours ago

“He’ll train again tomorrow” – Alonso welcomes Boniface with open arms following scuffed Al-Nassr deal

Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso, has confirmed Super Eagles striker, Victor Okoh Boniface,… Read More

11 hours ago