Exclusive: Bundesliga Champion Ojigwe Remains Confident in Alonso Despite Leverkusen's Injury Crisis and Boniface Absence

SUMMARY

Former Bayer Leverkusen star Karibe Ojigwe is confident Xabi Alonso can guide his former team through their injury crisis, despite losing key players like Boniface. The Nigerian believes the squad has enough depth and sees this as an opportunity for fringe players to step up.

Former Nigeria midfielder Karibe Ojigwe is confident that Xabi Alonso will guide Bayer Leverkusen, now without Victor Boniface, through their current injury crisis and turn their fortunes around.

The Black and Reds, currently grappling with a series of injuries to key players, have seen their squad stretched thin in their bid to defend their league title.

Club's leading scorer, Boniface, who has been ruled out for the rest of the year due to a thigh injury sustained during international duty, joins Amine Adli, Martin Terrier, and Jonas Hofmann on the sidelines.

However, the former Leverkusen star, who won the Bundesliga title with FC Kaiserslautern, has played down the significance of the Super Eagle’s absence, expecting him to return soon.

"Bayer Leverkusen's loss of Boniface to injury appears to be temporary, but it underscores the need for the club to consider seeking a replacement in the meantime," Ojigwe told Sportsboom.com in a no-holds barred chat.

"I’m referring to someone from the bench who can step in until he fully recovers from his injury.

"Injuries are part of the game, so Boniface should stay confident, knowing that Leverkusen has top-notch doctors who will ensure he recovers quickly and gets back to action sooner than expected."

'EXCELLENT' ALONSO CAN STEER LEVERKUSEN THROUGH CRISIS

Alonso remains unbeaten in his last four matches across all competitions, despite the absence of key players, with three wins and one draw, including a recent 2-1 victory at Union Berlin.

With this in mind, the Nigerian highlights the Spaniard’s managerial expertise, emphasizing his tactical acumen and intelligence as key factors in navigating Leverkusen’s current challenges.

"Well, Alonso is the reigning Bundesliga champion," the midfielder, who also played for Borussia Monchengladbach and 1860 Munich, added.

"This means he has the expertise to adapt his tactics and approach each game strategically to defend his title effectively.

"As an excellent coach, these are the challenges you face when it's time to step up, especially when you lose key players. I believe he is more than capable of handling them."

Alonso set a remarkable record with Leverkusen during the 2023-2024 season by guiding the club to its best-ever start in Bundesliga history. 

Under his leadership, the BayArena giants embarked on an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak to begin the season. 

The record-breaking start showcased his effective tactical approach and reinforced his reputation as an emerging managerial talent.

FRINGE PLAYERS HAVE A CHANCE TO SHINE

Ojigwe sees the absence of Boniface and others as a major opportunity for fringe players to step up and break into the first team as Leverkusen competes on multiple fronts in the 2024-25 season.

Additionally, the 47-year-old believes the club should not seek reinforcements in the transfer window, as he feels the squad has enough depth to cope with injuries.

He continued: "Oh yes, the fact that Leverkusen is competing on multiple fronts is great for the team’s development and growth.

"This also gives players on the bench the opportunity to step in, replace injured teammates, and showcase their abilities.

"It's crucial for the top four teams competing for the Bundesliga title to be involved in such competitions. I'm confident they have more than enough depth to handle it.”

According to the 1993 U-17 World Cup winner, Bayer Leverkusen has had a challenging 2024-2025 campaign, as every season in top European leagues presents new obstacles.

"Leverkusen's rollercoaster 2024-2025 campaign, despite an unbeaten run last season, highlights that every season is a fresh start, particularly in top European leagues."

"Their situation is not unusual. Given their perseverance so far despite the challenges, it's clear they can handle whatever comes their way. In football, you can never predict what tomorrow will bring."

Alonso’s side currently occupies third place in the Bundesliga, having earned 23 points from 12 matches—seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

They will play against Vincent Kompany’s team in the German Cup on December 3, followed by a league match with struggling St. Pauli four days later.