Ex-Bundesliga coach questions Alonso's decision to start Tella

Posted : 19 February 2025

Peter Neururer, a former Bundesliga manager, has criticized Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso for his decision to start Nathan Tella ahead of more established strikers Victor Boniface and Patrick Schick in their goalless draw against Bayern Munich last Saturday.

Alonso chose to deploy Tella in the attacking role alongside Florian Wirtz at BayArena, leaving Boniface and Schick on the bench. While Schick was substituted in late during the match, Boniface didn't get any playing time, a decision that sparked criticism from Neururer. Despite acknowledging Leverkusen's solid tactical performance, the former VfL Bochum manager questioned Alonso’s choice to rely on Tella, especially given his inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Neururer pointed out that while Leverkusen's play was excellent overall, Tella’s performance left much to be desired, particularly his missed chances in front of goal. In his column for Wettfreunde.net, Neururer emphasized, "What was Alonso thinking? Tella did well off the ball but missed several great opportunities. He only has one goal this season."

The former Bundesliga coach also voiced his frustration with Alonso's timing of substitutions, suggesting that Leverkusen lacked a clinical presence in attack. He emphasized the need for more goal-scoring threats, such as Boniface and Schick, to make the most of the attacking build-up.

"I need players like Boniface and Schick, who are dangerous in front of goal. It's not enough to have players contributing from deeper positions; we need those who can finish the chances," Neururer added, stressing the importance of having finishers in the attack.

Tella, for his part, has been a consistent player under Alonso this season, appearing in 30 matches across all competitions, with a total of three goals and three assists. While his performances have been solid, Neururer’s criticism highlights that the 25-year-old has yet to find his rhythm as a prolific scorer.

Looking ahead, Tella will hope that his ongoing form could earn him a spot in Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with a strong performance for Leverkusen potentially boosting his chances for international recognition.

Ex-Bundesliga coach questions Alonso's decision to start Tella

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