“Disappointing” – Super Eagles star reacts to Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal loss to Bayern Munich

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has admitted it was disappointing to see Bayer Leverkusen fall short in their bid to reach the DFB-Pokal final after a 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, Afrik Foot reports.

The Nigerian forward, who has endured a stop-start campaign due to injuries, was handed a starting berth for the crucial semi-final clash.

However, he was withdrawn in the second half after playing 77 minutes as Bayern shored up defensively after going two goals up, thanks to Harry Kane and ex-Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

Tella bemoans Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal loss to Bayern Munich

Die Werkself were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal, and can only hope for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.

Their only chance of silverware was the DFB Pokal, but they warmed up very slowly at the Bay Arena last night.

Tella mustered Leverkusen’s first attempt on target, but his chance was comfortably palmed away by Manuel Neuer, who’s rolling back the years at 40.

Speaking after the encounter, Tella did not shy away from acknowledging the size of the challenge his side faced.

“We know we played against maybe the best team in the world,” the former Southampton man said in an interview with Kicker.

“As a team, we had the opportunity to get into the final, we wanted to do that and I think the first half we, started a bit slow.

“In the second half we had better performances and created more chances and ultimately it wasn’t enough today.

“It is disappointing that we were unable to do it [get to the DFB Pokal final]. But, we still have games in the league to push as high possible as we can and that’s where the focus now.

“It is still our goal to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. We want to play in the best competition in the world and play against the best teams in the world,” he said. 

“It is down to us, we have to win these games and we have got the perfect opportunity on Saturday,” Nathan Tella concluded.

Bayern Munich will play against either VfB Stuttgart or SC Freiburg in the DFB Pokal final on the 23rd of May.