Bruno Genesio backs Felix Correia as boos jar at Lille, the anti-Zhegrova conundrum | OneFootball

Félix Correia, 25, was booed off at Stade Pierre-Mauroy during a 1-1 draw with Le Havre on Sunday, then briefly returned to Portugal to clear his head. The hard-working winger is now refocused on Lille’s push for the Champions League.

According to L'Équipe, the jeers continued on social media, yet team-mates, staff and hierarchy rallied around him, support he appreciated. Even so, the episode cut deep.

He travelled home straight after the match to find comfort with family, and returned quickly so as not to miss training.

Once a major Sporting CP prospect, he moved to Manchester City in 2019, then spent 2020 to 2024 at Juventus, making only one senior appearance and heading out on loans. The journey hardened him to football’s harsher realities.

Some frustration stems from his style. He is the only Lille player to have featured in all 46 games in all competitions this season. His 5 goals and 6 assists only partly reflect a tendency towards debatable decisions and a rough final ball.

Bruno Genesio has kept faith with him, stressing his exemplary attitude and the value of his running to the team’s balance.

He is cast as the antithesis of Edon Zhegrova, who left for Juventus last summer and had the crowd on side with his flair. Correia counters with drive and a will to make it in the North, having stayed in late January when Trabzonspor tried to sign him.

Source: L'Équipe