‘A lot is expected of him’ — Werder Bremen boss compares Boniface to club’s Brazilian legend

Werder Bremen are urging patience and confidence as Victor Boniface continues his gradual adaptation to life at the club.

Despite a slow start thanks to limited minutes and no goals yet, the Bundesliga side insists the Nigerian striker has all the tools and the right environment to thrive.

Werder Bremen’s sporting director, Clemens Fritz, has thrown his full support behind Victor Boniface, stressing that the 24-year-old is a player who blossoms when surrounded by the right structure and belief.

Speaking during the club’s general meeting, Fritz explained that although the Bayer Leverkusen loanee arrived with limited match fitness due to past injuries, Bremen remains committed to helping him regain top form.

This has meant easing him into action, often from the bench, as the club focuses on building him up physically and mentally.

Fritz made it clear that expectations remain high, saying, "I know that a lot is expected of him. Victor is a player who needs a good environment, and he has that here at Werder,” as quoted by Deichstube.

Even though he is still waiting for his first goal in Bremen colours, Fritz believes the story is far from written.

The Bremen Sporting Director also compared Boniface’s early challenges to the early days of Ailton, the Brazilian icon who became a club legend with his 28-goal haul during Bremen’s historic 2003/04 double-winning season.

Fritz said, "When I see Victor, I sometimes think back to Ailton's early days. Like Ailton with Thomas Schaaf back then, Victor has a coach in Horst Steffen who takes intensive care of him and challenges him at the same time."

Fritz stressed that the club’s one-year loan plan, even without an option to buy, is designed to benefit both parties. With just eight appearances so far and positive progress behind the scenes, Werder remain convinced that Boniface will soon turn effort into end product.

“I am firmly convinced that he will live up to expectations,” Fritz said, reinforcing the belief that Bremen’s environment will unlock the striker’s best.