Van Bronckhorst defends Ernst after Feyenoord supporters’ sarcastic applause

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has backed Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst after the German faced criticism during Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League defeat at home to Inter. Ernst was unable to stop long-range efforts from Yann Bisseck and Piotr Zielinski for the first and third goals.

The goalkeeper also received sarcastic applause from sections of the home crowd when he later dealt with a routine ball. Van Bronckhorst acknowledged that players must learn to handle such reactions, but said responsibility for the defeat should not be placed solely on Ernst.

Speaking before Sunday’s Eredivisie visit to SC Heerenveen, the coach highlighted defensive failures before both shots. He said Javi López had marked from the wrong side in the build-up to Bisseck’s opener, while Zielinski was allowed to advance around 25 metres before scoring. “That does not only apply to the goalkeeper,” Van Bronckhorst told reporters, as quoted by NU.nl.

Van Bronckhorst said he had seen no indication that Ernst’s confidence had suffered. He stressed that improving the team’s work before opponents can shoot would help both the goalkeeper and his teammates. Feyenoord travel to seventh-placed Heerenveen for Sunday’s 12.15 kick-off as the unbeaten Eredivisie leaders.