Exclusive: Nathan Tella Pays Tribute to Xabi Alonso, Burnley, and Southampton Amid Uncertain Future

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella says the club will cope following the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Alonso, who took charge in October 2022 with the club near the bottom of the Bundesliga, transformed Leverkusen into title winners and European contenders.

From Relegation Threat to Domestic Dominance

Before Alonso’s arrival, Leverkusen had long struggled to make a significant impact in the Bundesliga. But the Spaniard’s appointment marked a turning point.

He led the club from the relegation zone to a historic 2023-24 season, during which Leverkusen won their first Bundesliga title in 45 years and lifted the German Cup — all without losing a single domestic match. Their only defeat of the campaign came in the Europa League final.

The following season saw a drop in form. Leverkusen finished second behind Bayern Munich, exited the Champions League in the round of 16, and lost in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal.

Still, Alonso had firmly established Leverkusen as one of Germany's top sides before accepting the offer to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Ancelotti is set to take over as head coach of Brazil.

Tella: “We Will Be Fine”

Speaking to SportsBoom.com, Tella expressed gratitude to Alonso but insisted the team is prepared to move forward.

“As a team, we will be fine. Of course, he brought a touch of brilliance to the group—he got the best out of us," Tella told SportsBoom.com. 

"We enjoyed playing under him, and during that time, we won two trophies, reached the Europa League final, and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. It was a great period with him.”

Learning Curve for Tella

Tella, signed under Alonso’s tenure, and did not manage to command a regular position in the team. He revealed the Spaniard asked him to play outside his preferred position.

“For me personally, it came down to understanding the game better. I’ve always been a winger or a forward, and he asked me to play as a wing-back. I didn’t enjoy it at first, but I adapted. I had to learn something new—how to contribute in a different role and still be a part of the team," he said.

“He always knew I could play up front, but once I wrapped my head around the wing-back position and understood his tactics, things became easier.”

Ten Hag In, Expectations Remain

Leverkusen have appointed former Manchester United and Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as Alonso’s successor. The Dutchman arrives following a challenging spell in England, but Tella remains confident in his abilities.

“We’ve got a talented squad and now an experienced manager coming in—someone who has won a lot of trophies. There’s no doubt he can do the same with us,” he added.

Madrid’s Missteps and Alonso’s Challenge

Real Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, finishing behind Barcelona in La Liga, losing to their rivals in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa finals, and exiting the Champions League in the quarter-finals against Arsenal.

Despite that, the Spanish giants are still favourites to win the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Alonso officially took charge of Real Madrid on 1 June.

“It’s always a big challenge to coach Real Madrid—they're a massive club. We can only wish Xabi the very best,” Tella said.

Premier League Return Rumours

Meanwhile, Tella has been linked with a possible return to the Premier League after struggling to secure a regular starting spot at Leverkusen.

The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to former club Burnley, where he impressed during a 2022–23 loan spell by scoring 17 league goals. Many believe the Clarets would welcome him back.

However, Tella remained coy on the speculation.

“Burnley gave me the chance to play week in, week out. I improved because the games were consistent."

"I played about 49 games in one season, including cup matches — something I had never experienced before."

"What the future holds is up to God. I don’t know what’s ahead, but with God, you can make the right choices.”

Tribute to Southampton

Tella also reflected on the relegation of Southampton, the club where he began his professional career after being released by Arsenal.

“It’s sad to see them go down. Southampton took me from a boy to a man and gave me the opportunity to play first-team football after I was released by Arsenal. I’ll always appreciate that. I hope to see them back soon.”

He concluded with heartfelt words for both of his former English clubs. 

“I’ll always have love for Burnley and for Southampton, and I’d love to see them in the Premier League," he concluded.