Ruud van Nistelrooy has addressed the boos that were heard during Leicester City’s heavy loss at home to Wolves.
Leicester were beaten 3-0 by Wolves on Sunday in what can only be described as a nightmare before Christmas.
The Foxes are now only two points clear of the bottom three in the Premier League but concerns will be raised about the manner of the defeat.
Fans were baffled by Van Nistelrooy starting Facundo Buonanotte on the bench but perhaps the biggest voice of concern of all was start Danny Ward.
Danny Ward of Leicester City shows dejection after Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers (obscured) scores his team's third goal during the Pre...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ruud van Nistelrooy responds to Danny Ward boos
To say it was a difficult afternoon for Ward would be an understatement.
Ward was given a 2/10 for a disastrous performance in which he played a part in all three first half goals conceded.
Those three goals meant he had conceded six times across 90 minutes in the last two games, conceding a goal every 15 minutes on average.
The Wales international was one of two Leicester players booed by supporters but the jeers for the man replacing Mads Hermansen were louder than anyone elses.
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Asked about the fan reception towards Ward, Van Nistelrooy admitted it “hard to see”.
He said: “It doesn’t make it easier for him and for the team. We all understand disappointment from the crowd but it shouldn’t go to one player.
“Booing and being disappointed with a result I think it’s a right of a supporter, to show your emotions. We all do that. But when it goes to one person, that is hard to see for me personally.
“It’s not easy when something happens like that, when you catch a ball and people start cheering, and boo you, when it gets personal like that. I think he handled it very well. He’s the first one to look in the mirror. They all want to do well and perform and do their best for the club. When it doesn’t work out, it’s good to stick together as a squad and as a club.”
The Leicester boss also confirmed he had no thought about substituting Ward due to the targeted boos he was receiving.
Ruud van Nistelrooy provides Mads Hermansen fitness update
With three incredibly difficult games to come for Leicester, the question on everyone’s lips is: Will Hermansen be available?
Hermansen is outperforming every Premier League goalkeeper so his absence is felt greatly.
Van Nistelrooy confirmed that Sunday’s defeat was too early for him to return but the 48-year-old was hopeful he’d be available for the Boxing Day clash against Liverpool.
“Mads is still injured. This game came too early for him. We’re working hard to get him back as soon as possible,” said the Foxes manager.
He added that the game also game too early for Jakub Stolarczyk, who featured for the Under-21s midweek, but he was also edging closer to a return.
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