Manchester City fans have leapt to the defence of Benjamin Mendy and others who have received harsh criticism from sections of the club’s support this season. Mendy, in particular, has been the subject of lots of negativity given his inconsistent performances this season, including his display against Newcastle United.
One of the beauties of social media is that it allows the fans to share their opinions in the public domain but one of its negatives is that often unhelpful words and comments can find their way to the player directly.
These supporters took the opportunity to stick up for the French international and some of his team-mates on Twitter.
Has Benjamin Mendy suffered unfair criticism during his time at City?
Yes
No
And it takes time to get over a cruciate injury even without all the other niggles and whatever else he has had in the last year.
— I’m not really here (@HereReallyNotIm) December 17, 2019
people are so impatient, if sane returns and isnt bagging goals and running full speed people will assume he wants to leave and is lazy, like hes been out for 7 months give the man some time to find his legs, same for others
— Balotelli (@BBalo459) December 17, 2019
I can’t remember a single game city have lost in which Mendy has played in, it’s those plastic fans that are so harsh on him
— 100 Club (@BenjaminMCFC) December 17, 2019
it just looks like people pick an agenda
— rohan mital (@Mitalleca) December 17, 2019
Whereas others feel the criticism Mendy, in particular, has been on the receiving end of is justified.
I nearly like this but for mendy.. is he showing any willingness to come back to his form? I dont think so
— The thinker man (@kwekuedilson) December 17, 2019
Mendy has earned all his criticism. He can earn back his praise though too but it has been fair to criticize him to this point.
— benjamin_button (@heyschreiber) December 17, 2019
What do we think?
The Frenchman, who is valued at £31.5 million (as per Transfermarkt), has failed to rediscover the form that earned him the move to Manchester since his arrival from Monaco in 2017. Injuries have had a real negative impact but his performances have been so poor that Pep Guardiola has at times preferred to go with Angelino at left-back instead. Although he too has failed to convince his boss that he’s deserving of regular starting place.
It’s difficult not to get frustrated with individuals as dedicated supporters of any club but at times of difficulty, unity is key.