Xabi Alonso Dismisses Rift Between Boniface And Buendia

Xabi Alonso Dismisses Rift Between Boniface And Buendia

Sampson Adedeji

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has downplayed any tension between Nigerian international Victor Boniface and Argentine star Emil Buendia, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

Leverkusen secured a dominant victory, with goals from Nathan Tella, Nordi Mukiele, Patrik Schick, and Aleix Garcia, while Hugo Ekitike netted Frankfurt’s only goal.

However, their visit to Deutsche Bank Park wasn’t without drama. Late in the match, Boniface and Buendia clashed after getting in each other's way while attempting to score a fifth goal.

Boniface was seen pointing and pushing Buendia, who responded with a shake of his head.

Addressing the incident, Alonso said, “I spoke with Boni. I don’t have all the details, but he wanted to shoot. These things happen. We don’t want to make a big deal out of it. We’re staying calm, and on Monday, we move forward.”

Boniface has had a challenging spell at Leverkusen, despite maintaining an impressive goal-per-game ratio this season.

After playing a key role in their title-winning campaign last year, the 24-year-old has lost his starting spot to Schick, who has scored 22 goals in 32 appearances.