25-year-old Super Eagles star Nathan Tella is seriously frustrated over his growing lack of playing opportunities at Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and has openly expressed himself.
The Nigerian forward joined Leverkusen from Southampton during the summer of 2023 for a transfer fee of €23 million, hoping to make a significant impact, Footballrover reports.
In his debut season at the German club, Tella impressed with 11 goal involvements in 39 appearances across all competitions.
His contributions helped Leverkusen clinch both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal trophy.
On the international stage, Tella’s performances did not go unnoticed. He earned a call-up to the Nigerian national team, making his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in November 2023.
His involvement with the Super Eagles seemed to signal a bright future, both at the club and international levels.
However, the new season has painted a different picture. Despite his strong form in the previous campaign, Tella has struggled to break into Bayer Leverkusen’s starting XI.
The frustrated 25-year-old Super Eagles star has started only one Bundesliga match out of six, amassing just 224 minutes in all competitions this term.
To compound matters, he was left out of Nigeria’s squad for recent international fixtures.
Tella’s frustration builds under Xabi Alonso
Tella has sought answers, holding clear-the-air discussions with Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso regarding his diminished role.
Though frustrated, he stopped short of criticising the Spanish coach, who guided the team to success last season.
In a statement shared via a German outlet BILD, Tella voiced his feelings, saying, “It’s frustrating, honestly.”
Nathan Tella über die aktuelle Situation (mangelnde Spielzeit): „Das ist frustrierend, da bin ich ehrlich. Aber ich habe mit dem Trainer gesprochen. Er hat mir versichert, dass ich Möglichkeiten bekommen werde und geduldig bleiben muss. Wenn ich dann eine Chance bekomme, muss ich…
— UBK (@UBK__official) October 15, 2024
He emphasised his desire for more chances, believing his hard work in training and previous performances warrant further consideration.
“But I spoke to the coach. He assured me that I will get opportunities and that I have to be patient.
“When I get a chance, I have to show myself. I think I’ve done well, and I also think I’m training well.
“Now it is up to the coach to have the confidence to use me. He makes the decisions, and they work well,” Nathan added.
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