Can hits out at “below the belt” criticism after win over Leipzig

Following Borussia Dortmund’s win over RB Leipzig, Emre Can responded to the criticism he has received this season, describing it as “below the belt”.

Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can has come in for a lot of criticism after an inconsistent start to the season for himself and his team.

After three defeats in a row, Dortmund bounced back with a much-needed three points, beating Leipzig 2-1 on Saturday.

And after the game, Can opened up about how the criticism has affected him, saying he believes some of it has been unfair.

“I am only human and I try to perform. It 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 had good games – I know that. I can take criticism, but if it’s below the belt, I can’t take it,” Can told Sky Germany.

“It was below the belt, but I don’t want to complain too much. I just 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,” he added.

On why he feels he has been singled out for criticism, Can said:

“I’m just the way I am. I don’t pretend to be anything. Some can deal with it, some can’t.”