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Martínez Breaks Silence On Boniface Dressing Room Controversy
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- Martínez Breaks Silence On Boniface Dressing Room Controversy
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez has responded to reports that Victor Boniface walked directly to the dressing room after being overlooked during Saturday's dramatic 4-3 victory over Mainz.
The Nigerian striker reportedly left the substitutes' area in the 84th minute, when Martínez made his final two changes, bringing on Ezequiel Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.
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Boniface did not return to the bench, unlike fellow unused substitutes Loïc Badé and Lucas Vázquez, according to multiple reports.
Martínez has now addressed the incident, insisting he was unaware of what happened during the match.
"I didn't notice that during the game. I know nothing about it. If that were the case, we would talk to him."
- The Spaniard explained.
Martínez Defends His Substitution Decisions
Despite the controversy, Martínez made it clear that his substitutions were based on what he believed the team needed at that moment.
"I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, such decisions are part of football. At that moment, I decided on these substitutions."
- Martínez added.
Martínez's comments suggest the incident had not been discussed with Boniface at the time, but sporting director Simon Rolfes offered a more pointed response.
"I don't know, maybe he needed to go to the toilet,"
- Simon Rolfes
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Sporting director Simon Rolfes initially joked when asked about the striker's early departure, according to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger .
He then made the club's expectations clear:
"Perhaps he went to the dressing room a little too early today. That won't happen next time."
- Rolfes added.
The sporting director's remarks suggest Leverkusen is not looking to escalate the situation publicly, although the sporting director clearly expects different behaviour from Boniface in the future.
Boniface Faces Increasing Competition For Minutes
The incident comes during a frustrating period for Boniface, who has struggled to secure regular playing time under Martínez.
Before facing Mainz, Die Werkself coach had acknowledged that the Nigerian remained an option if Patrik Schick needed to be rested or replaced. However, when Schick eventually came off, Martínez introduced Jonas Hofmann instead.
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Schick's outstanding form has complicated Boniface's situation. The Czech international has scored on each of the first five Bundesliga matchdays, becoming only the third Leverkusen player to achieve that feat.
Even Christian Kofane's absence through injury has not translated into additional opportunities for Boniface, leaving the Nigerian with an increasingly difficult task of forcing his way back into the team.
Victor Boniface Storms Off As Leverkusen Dressing Room Drama Erupts After Mainz Win
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Rolfes Draws A Line Under The Incident
Die Werkself appear determined to prevent the controversy from becoming a bigger distraction following consecutive Bundesliga victories over RB Leipzig and Mainz.
Martínez has defended his substitution decisions while acknowledging that players naturally want to contribute. Rolfes, meanwhile, has combined humour with a clear warning that leaving the bench early is not something he expects to see repeated.
Neither has publicly announced disciplinary consequences, and it remains unclear whether Boniface has already been spoken to internally.
With Leverkusen facing a demanding October schedule, the striker could still have an important role to play, particularly while Kofane remains sidelined.
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But his frustration over limited playing time will have to be addressed on the pitch rather than through his reaction to selection decisions.
For now, Rolfes has made the club's position clear without turning the incident into a public confrontation.
