Bayer Leverkusen manager Carles Martínez has promised to speak with Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface following the Nigerian international’s decision to head straight down the tunnel after being overlooked for a substitution during the club’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Mainz.
Boniface, who had been warming up on the touchline, appeared frustrated when Martínez made his final two substitutions in the 84th minute without introducing him, prompting the forward to leave the pitchside area rather than return to the bench.
Addressing the incident after the match, Martínez admitted that he had not personally witnessed Boniface’s reaction because his attention was focused on the game.
“I was focusing on the game. I didn’t check it. If he did it, of course, we will talk with him,” Martínez said.
The Leverkusen coach declined to conclude speaking with the Nigerian striker, maintaining that he needed to establish exactly what happened.
“I didn’t know, so we will talk with him,” he added.
Martínez, however, acknowledged that players naturally become disappointed when they are unable to contribute, particularly when they are eager to make an impact.
“It’s something that I can understand: frustration. I can understand that everybody wants to help,” he explained.
The manager also defended his substitutions, stressing that difficult selection decisions are an unavoidable part of coaching.
“It’s part of that, it’s part of taking decisions, and in this moment, I took this. Like another day, maybe it will be completely different,” he stated.
Boniface has endured limited playing opportunities this season, featuring for just five minutes in Leverkusen’s campaign, a situation that has heightened attention on his role within the squad.
While the incident has raised questions about the striker’s frustration, Martínez’s comments suggest he intends to address the matter privately rather than escalate it publicly.
For Boniface, the challenge now is to channel his disappointment into performances that can earn him more playing time, while Martínez seeks to maintain harmony within his squad.
