Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso believes that despite Victor Boniface’s strong performance, the Nigerian forward still has room to improve.

Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, has expressed his belief that Nigerian forward Victor Boniface still has untapped potential to offer the team.

Boniface made a significant impact in Leverkusen’s recent 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, where he scored twice and registered an assist, marking his first Bundesliga goals of the season.

Also read: Boniface named among Bundesliga’s most skilful stars

The 23-year-old’s stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but Alonso insists that Boniface can elevate his game even further.

During a media interaction, the Spanish coach stated, “He can and must do more. He knows it, and the team needs it.”

Boniface’s contributions have been pivotal for Leverkusen, but Alonso’s remarks suggest that the club sees even greater potential in the striker as the season progresses.

Manchester City’s management has assured Pep Guardiola and players of a favourable outcome in the trial over alleged financial breaches.

Manchester City Assured of Victory in Financial Trial: Manchester City officials have assured Pep Guardiola and the team that the club will win the upcoming trial against the Premier League.

The trial, starting Monday, involves 115 charges related to alleged financial breaches from 2009 to 2018.

Also read: De Bruyne not leaving Manchester City-Guardiola

Aymeric Laporte, who recently moved to Al Nassr from City, shared the players’ confidence. Laporte revealed that during his time at City, the sporting director Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano reassured the squad.

“They told us we can all be very calm because not one rule has been broken by Man City,” Laporte told Mail Sport.

The reassurance from management has led players to believe in a positive outcome. “They said everything was fine, so that’s why we all think City will be fine. I don’t think there will be any issues,” Laporte added.

Manchester City, which has won eight league titles since 2012, including six of the last seven, faces a 10-week hearing. A verdict is expected early next year.

Manchester City’s Rodri feels like a Ballon d’Or winner due to public support, despite facing strong competition from Vinicius and Jude Bellingham. His pride stems from the recognition he has received for his contributions to Manchester City’s title and Spain’s Euro 2024 win.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed that he already feels like a Ballon d’Or winner, thanks to the overwhelming public support he has received since being shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Rodri, who played a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive league title and Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, acknowledges the significant recognition he has garnered.

Also read: I’m Not Bothered About Winning Ballon d’Or, Says Kroos

In an interview with ESPN, Rodri highlighted his respect for the competition he faces, particularly from Real Madrid stars Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.

“People say I’m going to fight with Vinicius, who is someone I admire. I think he is a great player,” Rodri remarked.

Rodri’s pride comes from the mere fact of being in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. He believes that the support and positive comments from fans, who have expressed confidence in his potential to win, make him feel like a winner already.

“Imagine for me, to be in the conversation that the people when I walk into the street, they say to me, ‘you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or, you deserve it’. And for me, that means I am already a winner with this,” he said.

Despite the competition, Rodri remains humble and appreciative of the support. He reflects on the years of hard work, self-belief, and the assistance from others that have led him to this position.

“Once you are in this situation, this position, because a lot of years of work, a lot of trust on yourself and the help of all the people, you think about this award and being there is just unbelievable,” he added.