The confidence of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has been dented by criticism from the crowd, according to Arsene Wenger.
Giroud cemented his status as a starter for both Arsenal and France in recent seasons, but over the last year attracted detractors from both fan-bases.
Indeed, a 15-game barren run in the Premier League last term saw sections of the Emirates Stadium jeer the 30-year-old.
Furthermore, his performances before and during Euro 2016 were somewhat lambasted by the French public and media.
The scathing reaction to his displays came despite being Arsenal’s top Premier League marksman last season (16 goals) and the joint-second best scorer at the European Championships (three goals).
His club coach and compatriot insists that the centre-forward remains “strong”, but has certainly seen a dip in his self-belief.
Wenger said, as reported by the club’s official website: “It’s a bit the fate of the strikers. When they score they are heroes, when they don’t they are quickly the target of the stands. I think overall our fans like him and respect him a lot.
“It does, of course [affect his confidence]. He’s not in metal. He’s as well sensitive but he’s sensitive and strong.
“Everybody wants to be loved. I’ve never seen anyone who dreams to be hated. But it is to deal with the fact that it doesn’t always go your way that makes a man.”
Giroud has been displaced by winger Alexis Sanchez at the tip of Arsenal’s 4 -2-3-1 this term, following his slow return to fitness after the summer tournament in France.
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