Key takeaways

• Simon Rolfes warned Victor Boniface after a reported dressing-room walkout during Leverkusen’s 4–3 win over Mainz.

• Coach Carles Martínez said he would discuss the matter with the striker if the reports were accurate.

• Boniface has made just one Bundesliga appearance this season, playing five minutes against SV Elversberg and assisting Christian Kofane.

• Kofane’s reported injury could create an opportunity for Boniface to compete for more playing time.

• Leverkusen’s Europa League trip to Lech Poznań could offer another chance, depending on the coach’s selection.

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Nigerian striker Victor Boniface following a reported dressing-room walkout, as the forward continues his search for regular playing time.

Rolfes addressed the incident after Boniface reportedly headed towards the dressing room during Leverkusen’s 4–3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz, having remained an unused substitute.

The sporting director played down the situation while making it clear that the incident should not happen again.

“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.

Despite the warning, he praised Boniface’s improving fitness and professionalism, describing the Nigerian international as a good member of the squad and training group.

Martínez Plans to Address the Reported Incident

Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez also responded to reports that Boniface had left the bench after realising he would not feature in the match.

The striker remained on the sidelines as Martínez made his final substitutions in the 84th minute, introducing Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.

Martínez said he had not noticed the incident during the game but indicated that he would speak to Boniface if the reports were accurate.

“If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, stressing that selection decisions were part of football.

The coach’s response suggested that the matter would be addressed internally, although the supplied report does not establish whether any formal disciplinary action followed.

Boniface Continues to Search for Regular Playing Time

The incident comes amid a difficult period for Boniface, who has struggled to secure opportunities in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign.

The 25-year-old has made just one league appearance this season, featuring for five minutes in the club’s 3–2 opening-day defeat to SV Elversberg.

During that brief appearance, Boniface provided an assist for Christian Kofane.

He subsequently missed out against Union Berlin, Leipzig and Mainz, while he was not involved in the match against Augsburg.

His limited involvement has left the Nigerian forward facing a challenge to establish himself in Martínez’s plans, despite Rolfes’ positive assessment of his fitness and professionalism.

Kofane’s Injury Could Create an Opening

Boniface could have an opportunity to improve his position in the squad following Kofane’s recent injury.

The development may give the Nigerian striker a chance to compete for additional minutes, although his involvement will depend on the coach’s selection decisions and the team’s requirements.

For Boniface, the immediate priority will be to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way while responding professionally to the club’s expectations.

Europa League Fixture Offers Another Potential Opportunity

Leverkusen’s Europa League trip to Lech Poznań on Thursday could provide another opportunity for Boniface to return to action.

However, there is no guarantee that the striker will feature, and his selection will ultimately rest with Martínez.

After the reported dressing-room incident and Rolfes’ warning, Boniface will be hoping to turn his limited opportunities into a more regular role as he attempts to revive his Leverkusen career.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why did Bayer Leverkusen warn Victor Boniface?

Boniface reportedly headed towards the dressing room after remaining on the bench during Leverkusen’s 4–3 victory over Mainz. Sporting director Simon Rolfes responded with a warning.

2. What did Simon Rolfes say about Boniface?

Rolfes said, “Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time.” He also praised the striker’s fitness and professionalism.

3. What was Carles Martínez’s reaction?

Martínez said he had not noticed the incident during the match but would speak to Boniface if the report was accurate.

4. How many Bundesliga appearances has Boniface made this season?

According to the supplied report, he has made one appearance, playing five minutes against SV Elversberg and providing an assist for Christian Kofane.

5. Could Boniface play against Lech Poznań?

The Europa League fixture could provide an opportunity, but his involvement will depend on Martínez’s selection decisions.