Florian Thauvin’s confidence has been knocked after he was booed by a section of the travelling Newcastle United supporters at Watford, admits Steve McClaren.
The club, the coaching staff and the players are “sticking by him” and helping Thauvin through it though, insists the Magpies head coach.
The 22-year-old came on as a second-half substitute at Vicarage Road during the 1-0 FA Cup exit and, after he went down easily late on, some of the travelling Toon Army booed Thauvin and chanted: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
Thauvin has struggled since joining the Magpies from Marseille in a £13million deal last summer, starting just five games in all competitions, and not impressing in any of them!
The winger has failed to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League at times, and when he stayed down following the challenge against Watford, a section of supporters directed their anger towards him.
He hides; is bone idol; and goes to ground at the slightest touch, making him an easy target for the Boo Boys.
Asked how Thauvin had been affected by the situation, McClaren responded: “Like any other player who has been booed.
“Normally you get booed by away fans and it gives you strength – but when it’s by your own fans it knocks your confidence. That is how Florian is (right now).
“The key thing is we all have sympathy for him, for that kind of reaction he got.
“It’s a tough one for the individual but we’re sticking with him and by him.”