Boniface breaks silence with two-word message after humiliating defeat against U20 team

Bayer Leverkusen’s new era under Erik ten Hag got off to a disastrous start with a shocking 5-1 defeat to Flamengo’s U-20 side in a pre-season friendly. 

The former Manchester United boss, who took over as head coach of Die Werkself following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, watched his youthful squad crumble against the Brazilian youngsters.

Flamengo U-20 came out firing, scoring just two minutes into the match and adding three more goals before halftime. 

Despite a second-half consolation goal from 17-year-old substitute Montreal Culbreath, the damage was done, with Flamengo sealing the rout with one more goal after the break.

Ten Hag fielded a notably young side, with an average age of 21.5—barely older than Flamengo’s 20.5. 

While experienced stars like Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, Amine Adli, and new signing Mark Flekken started, the rest of the lineup consisted of teenagers. 

The scoreline remained unchanged after Ten Hag made a flurry of substitutions around the hour mark, bringing on a team closer to a typical Bundesliga lineup, which eventually produced Leverkusen’s lone goal.

Despite the humbling loss, Boniface remained unfazed, taking to Instagram to share a succinct message: “Gettin ready.” 

The Nigerian striker’s brief but confident post suggests he views the defeat as a mere stepping stone in Leverkusen’s preparations for the upcoming season.

While the result raises eyebrows, the experimental nature of the squad and the early stage of pre-season suggest it’s not a cause for panic. 

Ten Hag’s changes in the second half showed signs of stability, and with time to integrate his ideas, Leverkusen’s stars like Boniface and Hofmann will be key to turning things around as the Bundesliga campaign looms.