Head coach of German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen Horst Steffen has explained why Nigeria international forward Victor Boniface isn’t starting games for his team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Boniface joined the team on loan from fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen after a failed move to AC Milan. The move collapsed at the point of medicals.
At Bremen he is yet to nail a starting spot with an assist to his name in three games coming off the bench. Relatively unknown Nigerian Justin Njinmah who is predominantly a winger was picked ahead of him to start in attack.
Reacting to his decision, the coach said Boniface isn’t at his best yet and they are working to bring him to the level that made him play a key role in helping Leverkusen to a league and cup double just two years ago.
“I’ve come to know him as a very likeable person; he’s very personable, approachable, and dedicated to the team. We laugh a lot together; I think it’s nice when a player has such a sense of humour and shows such joy. He fits right into our group. I don’t know what others say or how it was elsewhere”, the coach said.
“You can already see that he is getting better and better in his stride. He scored a goal against Bayern Munich, but it was unfortunately offside. But he’ll keep on trying.
“It’s clear, we need him and have to get him into shape to be at his best. In my opinion, he’s just not there yet. Accordingly, we’re continuing to work on it. We’re very happy with it and he knows it”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
