Former Werder Bremen captain Max Kruse has sparked controversy by publicly questioning the commitment of Victor Boniface, claiming the forward is undermining his professional future by returning from a lengthy injury layoff in poor physical condition. The Nigerian international, currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has endured a turbulent campaign at the Weserstadion, hampered by a combination of recurring fitness issues and a dip in on-field performance.
The 25-year-old striker recently made his return to the training ground following a severe knee injury that many feared would sideline him for the duration of the season. However, his comeback has been met with a sharp rebuke from Kruse, a former German international, who expressed deep disappointment regarding the player’s current weight and overall athleticism.
Speaking on the Flatterball Podcast, as reported by Bild, Kruse did not hold back in his assessment of the striker’s trajectory. “I think Victor Boniface has already given up on his career,” Kruse remarked. He further elaborated on the wasted talent he perceives, adding, “That is a real shame, because he has such great potential, and it does not work if you stay overnight. I am just going to lose 10-15 kilos of weight with four weeks of training.”
The critique highlights a growing frustration regarding the loanee’s impact at Bremen during a critical phase of the season. While Boniface was initially seen as a high-potential addition to the squad, his inability to maintain peak physical standards during his rehabilitation has led critics like Kruse to suggest that the player may be squandering his natural abilities.
