Victor Boniface: Bayer Leverkusen striker resets after ‘crazy’ season

Leverkusen will start the defence of their Bundesliga title away against Borussia Monchengladbach on 23 August, having already added to their haul of silverware by beating Stuttgart on penalties in the German Super Cup final – with Boniface opening the scoring in a 2-2 draw.

They also face the added challenge of having to balance their domestic campaign with a return to the newly expanded Champions League

The competition’s new format sees teams now playing eight matches in a league phase, increasing the number of games for elite clubs.

“I haven’t checked [out] the new Champions League set-up, but just to play football makes me happy,” Boniface said.

However, amid the excitement, there has been increasing criticism of the new football calendar.

Fifpro, the global players’ union, and several European clubs have expressed concerns that the changes could impact player welfare.

Fifa’s new calendar, including an expanded 32-team Club World Cup which will be held next June and July, has also received criticism.

“It’s not easy playing so many games and a long season,” Boniface, who missed three months of 2023-24 with a groin injury, said.

“Of course we need the rest.

“I understand why other players or coaches are saying this. They should understand why many players are complaining.”

Fifa argues that the introduction of an annual global league for international teams, alongside adjustments to international breaks, is crucial for the global growth of football, increasing revenues and providing more opportunities for both nations and clubs to compete at the highest levels.

Leverkusen showed remarkable resilience last season, coming within one match of winning a treble during a lengthy campaign.

Their only defeat came in the Europa League final, where Boniface’s Nigeria team-mate Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick to secure the win for Atalanta.

“He’s Nigerian, and I’m Nigerian – there’s a lot of mutual respect,” Boniface said.

“They got the result, and I’m happy for him.”