After leading Borussia Dortmund to a come from behind 2-1 win over RB Leipzig, Emre Can spoke about the "below the belt" criticism he has had to endure in recent weeks.
Emre Can has faced a lot of criticism in recent weeks, with supporters and analysts alike criticising his recent performances as captain of Borussia Dortmund. After leading BVB to a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig, the 30 year old spoke about the criticism he has faced.
Emre Can comments on "below the belt" criticism he has had to endure
Can said that he doesn't mind cricitism of his performances, but said that some of the comments he received on social media went too far. "Not nice. I'm only human and I try to perform," Can told Sky Sport after the game. "That doesn't work every week, not in every game. I don't try to hide. I try to be there in the dressing room. I haven't played good games - I know that."
"I can handle criticism, but if it's below the belt, I can't handle it. It was below the belt, but I don't want to complain too much. I want to keep playing football and be there for the boys. It's not always easy, but that's what I try to do every day."
Can found himself in and out of the starting XI at the start of the season. But Borussia Dortmund's injury crisis forced Nuri Sahin to deploy him at centre-back. The versatile midfielder delivered a strong performance against RB Leipzig, and helped keep the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda at bay.
Borussia Dortmund will hope to have Emre Can back in top form with a number of big games coming up, especially after the November international break.
Nuri Sahin's side still have to face the likes of SC Freiburg and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this month. But next up is a home game against Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League, followed by the trip to Mainz 05.