Bremen coach criticises Boniface for roaming too much in 3-0 home loss

Werder Bremen head coach Horst Steffen has raised criticism of Victor Boniface after the striker’s first home game for the club ended in a 3-0 defeat by SC Freiburg at the Weserstadion. Despite his pedigree, Boniface’s performance, in Steffen’s view, lacked positional discipline.

Boniface, valued at around €40 million, is Bremen’s most valuable player since 2004 surpassing the former high-water mark set by Milot Rashica.He came off the bench after the 60-minute mark, at a point when Bremen were already 2-0 down.

Steffen remarked that Boniface was "too everywhere" and should have stayed more central rather than drifting across the pitch. He emphasised that several players in the match failed to maintain their positions, which hampered Bremen’s ability to overload in attack. So far this season, has logged about 45 minutes over two appearances.  Despite the criticism, club management remains confident in his potential. Managing Director Clemens Fritz reiterated that Boniface is central to Bremen’s offensive plans this term.

Editorial

We understand Steffen’s frustration with Victor Boniface’s positional choices in the Freiburg game. When a club invests as much trust and resources in a player as Bremen have done—Boniface being their most expensive valuation in years expectations run high. Disappointment arises when potential isn’t translated into impact, especially in a home fixture. It is reasonable that Steffen demands more structure from the forward line.

However, criticism should be balanced with recognition. Boniface has only just joined the club; he is adapting to new teammates, tactics, and expectations. Drifting positions aren’t always a sign of weakness they might sometimes be an instinct of a forward trying to find space in difficult circumstances. The key is whether that instinct becomes counterproductive neglect of designated roles. Steffen seems to believe it did in this case.

We believe what Bremen need now is clarity in Boniface’s role. Will he be the focal point centrally, or a roaming threat? Either approach can work, but consistency matters. If Boniface understands exactly what is expected of him what spaces to occupy, when to stay central, when to drift—he can bring far greater coherence to Bremen’s attack.

There is also value in patience. Young forwards often need time to settle, to build understanding with teammates, to adjust to the tempo of the Bundesliga. The management’s faith in him is a good sign. Yet that faith must be matched by performance. Boniface has the talent. Now, he has the opportunity. We expect him to refine his positional discipline—not to restrict his talent, but to unlock its full impact

Did You Know?

1. 
   
2. Victor Boniface is valued at about €40 million, making him Werder Bremen’s most valuable player since records were kept by Transfermarkt from 2004 onward.
   
   
3. The previous player holding Bremen’s top valuation was Milot Rashica, at €35 million in December 2019.
   
   
4. Boniface joined Bremen on a loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window.
   
   
5. He played only about 45 minutes across two matches before the game against Freiburg, indicating the club is easing him into the team.
   
   
6. Large transfer valuations often pressure players to perform immediately but the adaptation to new systems, leagues, and expectations often requires more gradual integration.