Werder boss backs Boniface to meet high expectations

Werder Bremen expressed high hopes and excitement when they signed Victor Boniface on loan from Bayer Leverkusen just before the summer transfer window closed.

Eight games into his spell with the Green-Whites, the Nigerian forward has yet to find the net for the club, but that hasn't shaken the confidnece of Werder's head of professional football, Clemens Fritz.

“I am still firmly convinced that he will meet these expectations,” Fritz stressed at Werder's annual general meeting.

He went on to compare Boniface with former Werder striker Ailton, who also needed some time to settle in.

“When I see Victor, I sometimes think back to Ailton’s early days. Victor has Horst Steffen – similar to Ailton with Thomas Schaaf – a coach who takes intensive care of him and also challenges him.

“At Werder, we continue to give him time and the necessary backing. And Victor wants to repay this trust. I know a lot is expected of him. Victor is a player who needs a good environment. And he has that here at Werder.”