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Leverkusen Coach Blocks Boniface Summer Exit After Preseason Form
Carles Martinez Novell says Victor Boniface's strong preseason, capped by a winner against Newcastle, has strengthened his case to stay at Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martinez Novell has blocked any summer departure for Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, choosing to keep faith with the 25-year-old after an encouraging preseason.
Boniface underlined his case with a match-winning goal against Newcastle United in a preseason friendly, a display that came after a difficult season on loan at fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, where persistent injuries and fitness problems restricted him to limited action.
Novell was candid about what lies ahead for the striker, noting that a regular starting spot is not guaranteed heading into the new campaign, but stressed the situation "could change as the season progresses" if Boniface maintains his form.
Boniface returned to Leverkusen for preseason training fully fit for the first time in a while, and his manager's decision to retain him signals confidence that he can rediscover the goalscoring touch that first made him a standout for the Bundesliga club.
Source: OwnGoal Nigeria