Werder Bremen’s head of professional football, Clemens Fritz, has voiced strong confidence in Victor Boniface, despite the Nigerian striker’s slow start at the club. Since joining on loan from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Boniface has yet to score in eight appearances.
Fritz, however, remains optimistic, drawing parallels between Boniface and former Bremen legend Ailton. “I sometimes think back to Ailton’s early days when I watch Victor. He has a coach like Horst Steffen, much like Ailton had Thomas Schaaf, who challenges him while supporting his growth,” Fritz said at Werder’s annual general meeting.
He noted that Boniface arrived with limited match fitness due to previous injuries, which has meant easing him into games and often using him as a substitute. The club’s approach focuses on building him up physically and mentally, creating the ideal environment for him to thrive.
“At Werder, we are giving him time and full support. Victor wants to repay that trust. He’s a player who flourishes in the right environment, and he has that here,” Fritz added.
Even without an option to buy in the one-year loan deal, Bremen believes the arrangement benefits both the club and the player. “I am firmly convinced he will live up to expectations,” Fritz concluded, signaling strong faith in Boniface’s eventual breakthrough.
