Leverkusen boss explains limited playing time for Boniface

Bayer Leverkusen boss Simon Rolfes has explained why Victor Boniface hasn’t played much during pre-season so far.

After his proposed move to Al Nassr collapsed in the winter, Victor Boniface never really rediscovered his best form in the second half of Bayer Leverkusen’s 2024/25 campaign.

Now, following the coaching change from Xabi Alonso to Erik ten Hag, the Nigerian forward is aiming for a fresh start.

However, he hasn’t featured much for Die Werkself during pre-season, only making brief substitute appearances.

According to sporting managing director Simon Rolfes, there’s a good reason for that.

“‘Boni’ hasn’t played that much simply because of a reaction to the physical load, so we are handling things cautiously,” Rolfes told Bild.

Boniface’s limited minutes are not due to a lack of fitness after his return from vacation. On the contrary, he spent over a week in a private training camp in Spain preparing for the new season, Bild reports.

The German tabloid suggests Boniface may have pushed himself too hard, which caused his body to react.