Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen insists Victor Boniface is not yet at his best level, following the Super Eagles striker’s continued limited involvement for Die Werderaner, Footynaija.com reports.
Boniface has had to make do with substitute appearances in all of his three matches for Werder Bremen so far. His latest involvement came in a crushing 4-0 Bundesliga defeat to in-form defending champions Bayern Munich on Friday night.
The Nigeria international entered the fray with thirty minutes left on the clock but he basically just joined the rest of his teammates in struggling against a rampant Bayern, who were in no mood to see their perfect Bundesliga start come to an end.
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Despite struggling to get himself seriously involved in the game, Boniface managed to provide a ray of hope, although it lasted only briefly as the former Bayer Leverkusen striker saw his goal correctly ruled out for offside.
Addressing the Nigerian’s current role as a substitute after the game, Steffen explained that Boniface is not yet in the best condition to contribute from the first whistle.
“He scored his goal, but it was unfortunately offside,” said Steffen, as quoted by Kicker. “But he’ll keep bringing up these issues.
“It’s clear: We need him and have to get him into the shape to be at his best. In my opinion, he’s just not there yet. But we’re continuing to work on it. We’re very happy with it – and he knows it.”
This week’s training sessions will be crucial for Boniface, who clearly still has work to do in terms of earning his manager’s complete trust.
For now, the Super Eagles striker continues to await his first start in Werder Bremen colours but with his immense talent and quality, you get the feeling it will come sooner rather than later.
