Why Victor Boniface was substituted at half time – Alonso

Andre Olasukanmi
2 Min Read

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has hailed the impact of Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface in their 3-1 win over Hoffenheim and revealed the main reason behind his half-time substitution.

Boniface who has been out of action since their 4-0 thrashing in the hands of Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on November 4, hit the ground running and found the back of the net in the 15th minute with a powerful strike from his weaker left foot to give his side the lead.

To the surprise of many, Boniface was substituted at halftime for in-form Czech striker Patrik Schick. Schick scored his 14th league goal in 17 games as Leverkusen won 3-1 at the BayArena.

Why Victor Boniface was substituted at half time - Alonso
Boniface celebrates his goal against Hoffenheim

Alonso in his post-game press conference confirmed that Boniface was taken out at half-time because it was the plan from the start of the game to give him just 45 minutes as they hope to ease him back into competitive play after being out for almost three months.

The Spaniard, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder also revealed that he is delighted for Boniface after his goal which he feels will be important for his confidence. 

“Victor’s goal was important for him after his long injury,” Alonso said after the game. “He needs to be back on the pitch with the team and feel the fans. 

“The plan was for him to get 45 minutes. He scored, and so did Patrik – that’s good because we need both to be successful.”

Despite being rivals and fighting to start in the striker position every match day, Patrik Schick is delighted that Boniface scored straightaway after returning from injury.

“Victor was injured for a long time and scored again straight away. I know how difficult that is. It is also very important for him that he scored again straight away.”

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