Xabi Alonso reveals why Victor Boniface does not start for Bayer Leverkusen

The manager of Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has explained why his reason for not starting, Victor Boniface in most games for the Bundesliga Champions since he returned from injury.

Xabi Alonso was speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League final against Atalanta on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. According to the former Real Madrid player, Victor Boniface is not the playing because the team has a wide squad, hence why it is difficult for every player to start every game.

What did Alonso say about Victor Boniface?

MHe said the injury that Boniface suffered before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been a major factor in why he has not started a lot of games as expected

"But for sure after the injury, it takes time, of course, we have a wide squad and we have so many players, and all of them want to be on the pitch. For sure, I like it when someone is not playing but shows his character to prove to me coach, you are wrong, I had to be on the pitch. I am happy with Boni, the impact he had done this year for us, he has helped us a lot and we are helping him to get back on track."

How many goals did Boniface score for Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season?

The Nigerian scored 19 goals for the Bundesliga Champions, 14 in the league, and five in the UEFA Europa League. Boniface was rewarded for the efforts he put into helping Leverkusen win the title by winning the Rookie of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season.

Alonso will hope his team can continue this unbeaten run when they face Serie A side, Atalanta in the Europa League.

How many games has Leverkusen gone unbeaten?

Bayer Leverkusen have been on an impressive run, a form which saw them end Bayern Munich's 11-year run, is the first team to complete an unbeaten season in any of Europe's top five leagues since Juventus in the Italian Serie A in 2011-12. Leverkusen hasn't lost a game in any competition all season, a record 51-game unbeaten run with two more games to go ( Cup final and Europa League final)

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