Bayer Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes has reacted to Victor Boniface’s early departure from the bench during the club’s 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz, saying the incident will not happen again.
Sports247 reports that the Nigerian striker headed towards the dressing room after realising he would not feature in Saturday’s encounter, having been overlooked by head coach Carles Martínez for another game.
Boniface was left on the bench throughout the match as Leverkusen secured a dramatic away victory. His frustration became noticeable in the 83rd minute when Martínez made his final two substitutions, bringing on Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.
With no more substitutions available, Boniface had no chance of entering the game. Unlike fellow unused substitutes Loïc Badé and Lucas Vázquez, the Nigerian forward headed into the dressing room before the final whistle and did not return to join his teammates after the match.
Speaking after the encounter, Martínez said he had not noticed Boniface leaving during the game but indicated that the matter would be addressed if the reports were accurate.
“I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, these decisions are part of football,” the coach said, explaining his decision to make the substitutions.
Rolfes also responded to the incident, initially joking that Boniface might have needed to use the toilet before adding that the striker may have gone into the dressing room too early.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.
However, the Leverkusen chief also defended the striker’s overall conduct, expressing satisfaction with his progress in recent months.
Rolfes explained that Boniface had continued to improve his fitness and had generally behaved well as a member of the squad and training group. He also acknowledged that players naturally want to be involved and that emotions are part of football.
Boniface has struggled for regular playing time this season, making just one Bundesliga appearance so far. He played five minutes in Leverkusen’s 3-2 defeat to SV Elversberg on the opening matchday.
The 25-year-old will now hope to earn more opportunities as the season progresses, with his reaction to Saturday’s disappointment likely to be discussed internally by the club.
