Leverkusen coach and director respond to Boniface's exit

Victor Boniface got frustrated and left the pitch, which led Bayer Leverkusen's boss Simon Rolfes to issue a warning. This happened after the Nigerian striker was left out of Saturday's exciting 4-3 win over Mainz in the Bundesliga.

Boniface was not picked again as coach Carles Martínez made changes in the 84th minute, bringing in Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.

With no chance to play, Boniface reportedly went to the dressing room instead of sitting on the bench with his teammates.

This situation has raised more questions about Boniface's standing at Leverkusen, where he has hardly played this season.

He has only appeared in one Bundesliga match, playing for five minutes in the opening 3-2 loss to SV Elversberg. Even with limited game time, he managed to assist Christian Kofane.

Since then, he has been left out against Union Berlin, Leipzig, and Mainz, and did not play at all against Augsburg.

Martínez said he did not see Boniface leave during the match but promised to talk to him about it. "If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him," the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, adding that making choices is part of football.

Rolfes reacted with some humor but made his thoughts clear. "Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time," the sporting director said.

Even with the warning, Rolfes complimented Boniface's improving fitness and professionalism. He called him a good member of the team and training group.

With Christian Kofane now injured, Boniface could get a chance to turn his season around at Leverkusen.

The Europa League match against Lech Poznań on Thursday might be a chance for the frustrated striker to show what he can do, if Martínez gives him the chance.

For Boniface, the message is clear: he needs to be patient while he works to get back into the team.