West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing says abuse from opposition fans is a sign that he’s doing something right.
West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has told FourFourTwo how he deals with criticism from fans.
Downing has admitted that criticism from opposition supporters, as well as other sources, is part of the game and something, which modern day professionals simply have to get used to.
“You’ve got to have self-belief. When things are not going well, think: ‘It will turn’” he said.
“When you’re getting abuse from the opposition fans it’s because they see you as a threat. You have just got to take it as a bit of fun.”
“You get players that will kick you and try to intimidate you, but they are doing it for a reason – they’re trying to put you off your game.”
Fan criticism has been part of the game for decades and it’s something that players at the highest level subject themselves to and need to get used to.
The point of opposition fans ripping into a player is that they are looking for that frustration to boil over and lead to a reaction, making the situation worse if they know that someone has been rattled during a big game.
Downing is a very experienced player and someone who will be important for youngsters like Reece Burke, who are just making their way in the game. Players have to be professional and ensure that the frustration doesn’t start to affect their game.
It’s important that players like him and West Ham manager Sam Allardyce are on hand to step in and offer some protection for the players who are less experienced and more vulnerable from a mental point of view.
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