'That's why' - Leverkusen forward reveals reason Tella got the nod over Boniface v Bayern Munich
Published: February 20, 2025
Bayer Leverkusen forward Amine Adli has shed light on Xabi Alonso's decision to start Nathan Tella ahead of Victor Boniface and Patrick Schick in their crucial Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich.
Tella was preferred in the starting lineup, playing 85 minutes before being replaced by Adli, who was making his return from a long-term injury.
Adli, the Moroccan striker, believes the manager's decision was influenced by Nathan's pressing ability and work rate, which gave him the edge over Boniface and Schick.
Speaking in an interview with Kicker.de, Adli revealed that the manager made the decision because the other two players lacked his pressing ability and work rate.
"When he relies on these qualities that others may not have, you can see in games like this that we press very high, that we run a lot. That's why the coach put Nathan in," Adli said.
Asked about Alonso's tactical decisions, he added, "You have to ask the coach," he says, "he decides the tactics. Sometimes even we don't really understand them, but it always works. So we can't complain."
Tella has been a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen this season, contributing three goals and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
His recent form could boost his chances of earning a call-up for Nigeria's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Adeyemi Adewale
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'We read somewhere' - Troost-Ekong fires warning to Zimbabwe ahead of Uyo showdown
- 2026 World Cup qualifier: Three key areas Super Eagles must fix before facing Zimbabwe
- 'You can't do that against Nigeria' - Bafana Bafana coach explains why Mofokeng started v Lesotho
- 'Nigeria will help us' - Hugo Broos relying on Super Eagles to aid Bafana Bafana's qualification push
- Troost-Ekong highlights two Rwanda players who impressed him during Super Eagles win v Wasps
- Amrouche admits Osimhen's early goal forced Rwanda to abandon their plan in loss to Nigeria
- 'We gave them a present' - Rwanda coach slams Wasps players after defeat to Super Eagles
- Osimhen brushes off Manchester United and Chelsea transfer question from Rwandan journalist
- 'Played right back' - Troost-Ekong namechecks one Super Eagles player used out of position v Rwanda
- 'We used 2 or 3 systems' - Chelle highlights Super Eagles tactics, what impressed him about Rwanda


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- New88
- hi88
- RR88
- hi88