Nathan Tella highlights Leverkusen’s Champions League goals ahead of new season

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen attacker, Nathan Tella, has backed his club side to reach the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League in the 2025/2026 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old joined Die Werkself from Southampton in the 2023/2024 season, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal while reaching the UEFA Europa League final.

The following season, Tella lifted the DFL Super Cup with Leverkusen, but their performance in the UEFA Champions League wasn't the best, as they were knocked out in the round of sixteen by Bayern Munich.

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After helping Leverkusen finish second last season, Tella is optimistic about the team’s prospects under ex-Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag.

The former Burnley man is confident his side can reach the latter stages of the Champions League if they're focused and consistent.

“I believe we understand what it takes to reach the top eight and avoid the early knockout rounds,” the Super Eagles star said in an interview with Flashscore.

“We know how we need to play, and the level of focus and determination required in every game.

“Moving forward, it’s about maintaining maturity in our performances and adopting a killer mentality, being sharp in front of the goal while also preventing the opposition from scoring.

“Ultimately, it’s about playing with confidence and consistency to achieve success,” Tella concluded.

Tella is currently in Brazil with his Bayer teammates as they get their pre-season sessions underway. They kick off their pre-season campaign tomorrow with a match against Flamengo’s U-20 team at the Estadio da Gavea.