Werder Bremen boss gives cryptic update on Boniface ahead of Mainz clash

Werder Bremen fans are eager to see more of Victor Boniface, but head coach Horst Steffen is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the weekend showdown with struggling Mainz.

The Nigerian striker, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has featured sparingly so far, and Steffen isn’t ready to reveal whether he'll start again after getting his first full run-out last matchday.

With just 191 Bundesliga minutes under his belt for Bremen, Boniface is still working his way into rhythm after his late summer arrival.

His first start last weekend against Union Berlin was a promising step, and Steffen admitted the performance left a positive impression.

“That was a good feeling that he was able to give me,” the coach said when reflecting on Boniface’s 85-minute showing.

However, despite acknowledging the striker’s effort, Steffen declined to hint at whether the former Leverkusen star will start again, saying training “went fairly normally” and that “nothing had improved or worsened.”

While Bremen defeated Union Berlin last time out, Steffen made it clear he is not a slave to the “never change a winning team” football mantra.

Asked about sticking with the same lineup, he responded, “I see things differently,” explaining that game plans depend on the opponent and training performances.

“I look at the opponent and consider what might work,” he added. “If, at the end, I feel we need to play differently, then that’s what I’ll do.”

With Mainz desperate for points and Boniface pushing for a bigger role, Bremen’s lineup decision will be one to watch, and the Super Eagles forward remains firmly in the discussion.