EXCLUSIVE: Tella backs 'world-class' Alonso to outshine Leverkusen legacy at RMA

Nigeria international Nathan Tella has backed Xabi Alonso to make an even bigger impact at Real Madrid following his transformative spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

The 43-year-old Spaniard returned to his former club, where he once shone as a player, to succeed legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal running until June 30, 2028.

During his time in Germany, Alonso led Die Werkself to their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season, completing an unbeaten league campaign and also guiding the team to the UEFA Europa League final.

He also guided the BayArena side to victories in the German Cup and the DFL-Supercup, further cementing his reputation as one of the most promising tacticians in world football.

The Super Eagle praised the Spanish tactician’s influence both on and off the pitch, saying he helped deepen his understanding of the game and offered a fresh tactical perspective after joining the Bundesliga side from Southampton.

"Obviously, Alonso is a brilliant manager there's no surprise. Even last season, before he went to Real Madrid, he got interest from a lot of the big clubs in world football," Tella told Flashscore.

"But for him to be a part of the team (Leverkusen) and to have him as our manager, he was able to bring a different side to the game to us. We were able to see the game, me especially, I was able to see the game from a different point of view.

"And to have him working with us, and now he's gone to Real Madrid. It's not like we should just forget the things, or I shouldn't forget the things he's taught me, because he's a manager who's world-class.

"He's arguably been the best manager in the past two years. I think some of the stuff he's taught me, not just on the pitch, but also off the pitch, is valuable for my whole life."

When asked whether Alonso has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Ancelotti and other great managers at the perfectionist club Real Madrid, Tella was unequivocal.

"Of course. You know, I think even when he got the job at Leverkusen, I don't think anyone expected him to do what he's done with us," he continued.

"And he was able to do it, and it got to a point where I don't think he was even surprised, because you get to a point where you know how good you are. 

"He was (achieved things) in a very humble way, but he knew what he was doing was working, and we were able to keep doing it. So, I wouldn't say that he's going to struggle at Real Madrid. If anything, I think he'll get even better than how he was with us."

Alonso had less than two weeks with Real Madrid before leading his new team to the United States to compete in the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 

There, Los Blancos went on an impressive unbeaten run to reach the semi-finals, winning four of their five matches. Unfortunately, their campaign ended in disappointment with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, costing them a spot in the final.

Tella confident of Leverkusen's UCL chances

After finishing second in the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, Bayer Leverkusen have secured a spot in next season’s Champions League. 

The Nigerian is optimistic about the team’s prospects under Erik ten Hag’s leadership. He believes the squad understands what it takes to compete at the highest level and is confident they can make a deep run in Europe’s premier club competition. 

Tella added: "I believe we understand what it takes to reach the top eight and avoid the early knockout rounds.

"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 goal while also preventing the opposition from scoring. 

"Ultimately, it’s about playing with confidence and consistency to achieve success."

Leverkusen will kick off their pre-season campaign on Friday with a match against Flamengo’s U20 team at the Estadio da Gavea in Brazil.

#Shina Oludare