Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen has criticised Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface for not sticking to tactical instructions during their 3-0 defeat to SC Freiburg on Saturday.

Boniface, who came on in the second half of his first home game at the Weserstadion, struggled to make an impact as Bremen, already 2-0 down, conceded again to seal a frustrating night for their fans.

Steffen: “He was too everywhere”

Steffen expressed disappointment with the 23-year-old’s positioning, insisting the striker’s movement worked against the team’s shape.

“I felt he was too everywhere. It’s fine for him to be more central. It wasn’t the way I wanted it,” Steffen told Transfermarkt.

The coach added that several players also failed to maintain their positions, which disrupted the team’s attacking balance.

“We have to be positionally consistent so that we can overload the attack every now and then. That’s an issue I’ll address,” he said.

Boniface urged to be patient

Boniface, who signed late in the summer transfer window, has played just 45 minutes across two appearances.

Steffen urged the Nigerian to remain patient as he adapts to Bremen’s system, while stressing that discipline in positioning is key to unlocking his full potential with the squad.