Bayer Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez says he will speak to Victor Boniface after the Nigeria forward reportedly walked down the tunnel when he learned he would not play in the 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz.
The 25-year-old had warmed up during the match but did not return to the substitutes’ bench after it became clear that he would not be introduced. Martinez used his remaining substitutions without calling on Boniface.
Martinez said he had not seen the incident because his focus had been on the action on the pitch. He added that he would first establish exactly what had happened before discussing the matter directly with the forward.
The manager did not announce any disciplinary action against Boniface.
Martinez understands striker’s frustration
Although he intends to speak to the Nigerian international, Martinez said he could understand why Boniface might have been frustrated.
The Leverkusen manager acknowledged that players want to help their team and make an impact, particularly when they are seeking regular opportunities. However, he stressed that deciding which players to use and when to make substitutions are responsibilities that belong to the coaching staff.
Martinez’s position is that selection decisions are made according to the circumstances of each match, meaning a player’s role can change from one game to the next.
Boniface’s reported reaction comes during a difficult spell for the striker in terms of playing time. He has featured for just five minutes for Bayer Leverkusen this season.
That limited involvement has left the 25-year-old with few opportunities to contribute to the club’s campaign. His omission against Mainz attracted further attention because he had been involved in the warm-up and the match remained closely contested before Leverkusen secured a seven-goal thriller.
The victory saw both teams score seven times between them, but Boniface was not given the chance to play a part as Leverkusen completed the match with a 4-3 win.
For now, Martinez has indicated that his priority is to understand the forward’s reaction rather than reach an immediate judgement. It remains unclear whether the incident will affect Boniface’s future opportunities at the club.
The striker will be looking to earn more minutes and regain a more prominent role, while Martinez prepares to discuss what happened after the Mainz match.