Victor Boniface frustrated after Mainz snub as Nathan Tella returns

Victor Boniface has reportedly expressed frustration after being overlooked once again by Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez during Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz 05, while teammate Nathan Tella marked his return to competitive action.

According to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Boniface headed straight to the dressing room after Leverkusen made their final substitutions in the 84th minute, having realised he would not be introduced. Unlike unused substitutes Loïc Badé and Lucas Vázquez, the Nigerian striker reportedly did not return to the bench.

Martínez said he had not noticed the incident during the match but indicated that he would address it with the forward.

“If that was the case, we will speak with him,” the coach said, adding that he understood Boniface’s disappointment but had to make decisions about substitutions.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes also played down the incident, suggesting the matter could be resolved internally.

“Maybe he went into the dressing room a little too early today. Next time, that won’t happen,” Rolfes said.

The Leverkusen executive nevertheless praised Boniface’s overall progress, saying the striker had grown fitter in recent months and generally conducted himself well during training.