Former Werder Bremen captain Max Kruse has launched a stunning attack on Victor Boniface, claiming the Nigerian striker has “given up on his career” after returning from injury overweight and out of shape.
The 25 year old, on loan at Werder Bremen, has had a nightmare campaign plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. A knee problem initially looked set to rule him out for the rest of the season, but he recently returned to training raising hopes he could still help the club in their scrap against relegation.
Those hopes have now been replaced by serious doubts.
Boniface is expected to miss upcoming fixtures against RB Leipzig as he works on his physical condition. And Kruse, never one to mince his words, has made his feelings crystal clear.
‘That’s a real shame’
Speaking on the Flatterball Podcast via Bild, the former Germany international did not hold back.
“I think he’s already given up on his career,” Kruse said. “He actually still has his best years ahead of him.
“That’s a real shame, because he has such great potential.”
It is a savage assessment of a player who, not so long ago, was being talked about as one of the most exciting young forwards in European football. Now, Kruse suggests, the commitment has evaporated.
The weight issue
Kruse went further, highlighting the physical state Boniface reportedly returned in after his layoff.
The implication is clear: the striker has not been looking after himself. And losing significant weight in a short space of time is simply not realistic.
“I eventually realised that it doesn’t work if you say overnight, ‘I’m just going to lose 10 to 15 kilos with four weeks of training’,” Kruse added.
It is a damning insight into what is happening behind the scenes at Werder Bremen. A professional footballer returning from injury should be fighting to get back on the pitch. Instead, Boniface is apparently fighting the scales.
What Thioune says
Head coach Daniel Thioune has tried to put a positive spin on things, suggesting Boniface could still feature later in the season, potentially against Cologne or Hamburg.
But even Thioune admits the Nigerian will play a limited role at best. A few minutes off the bench here and there. Nothing more.
That is not the words of a manager who trusts his striker. That is damage control.
The bigger picture
Boniface’s loan move to Werder was supposed to revive his career. Instead, it has descended into another injury hit, frustration filled slog.
With his best years supposedly still ahead of him, the clock is ticking. Kruse clearly believes the forward has already checked out mentally. And if that is true, it is hard to see how he turns things around.
Boniface has the talent. Everyone agrees on that. But talent without professionalism is a waste. And Kruse, who played at the highest level for years, knows exactly what it takes to stay there.
This is not just a bad run of form. This is something deeper.
“He’s already given up on his career,” Kruse said. That is not the kind of thing you say lightly. And it is not the kind of thing you say unless you genuinely believe it.
