New Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has fired a warning shot to Super Eagles stars Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, as well as the rest of the squad, declaring that past glories will not earn them favour in his new regime.
The Dutch tactician made the comments during his first press conference since taking over from Xabi Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title.
The Past Doesn’t Count – Ten Hag Lays Down the Law
Ten Hag made it clear that every player will start from scratch under his leadership. Known for his disciplined approach and commitment to high standards, the former Manchester United boss emphasized the need for continuous improvement. He stated:
- We are starting at zero here,” Ten Hag stated via a post shared by the club on X (formerly Twitter).
- The past doesn’t count anymore. We have to work really hard every day. Our mindset must be: good is not good enough; we need to get better. So we want to create a new era.”
Fresh Start for Boniface and Tella
Ten Hag’s declaration comes as a wake-up call for Boniface and Tella, who played key roles in Leverkusen’s title-winning season. Boniface, a prolific forward, and Tella, known for his versatility and work rate, were both instrumental under Alonso. However, the new manager made it clear that past performances won’t guarantee future roles.
Every player, regardless of previous contributions, must now prove themselves again. This includes the Nigerian duo, who will need to adapt quickly to Ten Hag’s demanding style and tactical expectations.
High Expectations for a New Era
Ten Hag’s comments set the tone for a high-intensity preseason as Leverkusen prepares for domestic and European campaigns. With expectations soaring after their Bundesliga triumph, the spotlight is now on how the squad, especially key figures like Boniface and Tella, will respond to the challenge.
The message is loud and clear: under Erik ten Hag, no player is safe, and only consistent excellence will be rewarded.
