Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been warned by the club’s management after reportedly walking into the dressing room in frustration over his continued omission from the team’s Bundesliga matches.
The Nigerian forward was left unused during Leverkusen’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Mainz on Saturday and reportedly headed down the tunnel after head coach Carles Martínez made his final substitutions in the 84th minute.
Martínez brought on Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick, but Boniface was not given an opportunity to play, prompting the reported walkout.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes responded to the incident with a firm warning, making it clear that the striker should not repeat the action.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.
Martínez, meanwhile, said he did not notice Boniface leaving during the match but promised to discuss the matter with the Nigerian.
“If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, adding that selection decisions were part of football.
Boniface has struggled for regular playing time this season, making just one Bundesliga appearance. He featured for five minutes in Leverkusen’s opening-day 3-2 defeat to SV Elversberg, providing an assist for Christian Kofane.
Since that outing, the 25-year-old has been overlooked against Union Berlin, Leipzig and Mainz, while he was absent from the squad for the match against Augsburg.
Despite the striker’s limited involvement, Rolfes praised his improving fitness and professionalism, describing him as a good member of the squad and training group.
Boniface could have an opportunity to improve his standing following an injury to Kofane, which may open up a place in Leverkusen’s attack.
The German side are due to face Lech Poznań in the Europa League on Thursday, giving Boniface another potential opportunity to convince Martínez that he deserves more playing time.
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