Nathan Tella aims to turn frustration into strength at Bayer Leverkusen

Nathan Tella is heading into the new season at Bayer Leverkusen with fresh optimism and a clear mission to turn last year’s frustration into strength.

The 27-year-old Nigerian winger spent much of the previous campaign sidelined by injuries, but now says he feels fully fit and ready to attack the year ahead.

“Now I feel good. I was able to recover and get fit. My main goal for this season is that after a good game I don’t miss five weeks again. I want to turn my frustration and anger into positive energy,” Tella explained, reflecting on how stop-start his 2025/26 season had become.

A key figure in his renewed belief is new head coach Carles Martinez. Tella revealed that the Spaniard even phoned him during his holiday in Ibiza to talk through the difficult year. Martinez told him he is looking forward to working with both the team and with Tella personally, adding: “I want to get the best out of you.” For Tella, that was “the most important thing a player can hear from a coach.”

After missing 29 competitive matches last season, Tella is determined to stay healthy, recapture his form and earn his way back into the Nigerian national team.