Boniface’s bench tantrum “a one-time thing” says Leverkusen chief Rolfes

An unused substitute in last Saturday’s 4-3 win over Mainz, Boniface stormed down the tunnel. The issue has since been resolved by those in charge at the Rhineland club.

Simon Rolfes has revealed Bayer Leverkusen held talks with Victor Boniface after his bench exodus in Mainz and things are on the mend.

“Carles [Martínez] spoke with him directly on Sunday morning to put the matter to bed. With Boni, it’s fundamentally getting better every week.

“If we look back to the point where we started in early July, that’s a very positive development. He still needs to take some steps, though.”

“He might have been disappointed because by now he’s built up a lot more hope than he had six weeks ago. That’s a good sign for now.

Still, he knows that wasn’t smart. He’s a good part of the team in day-to-day life, and that won’t happen again next time.”

“That can’t happen. But he knows that too. That was a one-time thing, and now it’s done with,” Rolfes informed Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

Ultimately, the Leverkusen director of sport said it’s important that the Nigerian striker keeps his composure in future to prevent escalations.

“Of course it’s important that we’re a team and everyone supports that in every moment, even if their own situation is frustrating them right now.

“I was a player myself. It would be bad if a player weren’t frustrated when he’s not playing. You still have to handle it reasonably, though,” he added.