Monday 20 October 2014 12:01, UK
Metz’s on-loan striker Modibo Maiga has received the backing of his coach and team-mates after he was booed by his own fans during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Rennes.
Maiga, 27, has yet to score in five appearances for the French club since joining on loan from West Ham in the summer.
But coach Albert Cartier told L’Equipe: “It is not the style of the club to give up a player in a difficult situation.
“We will help him and do our best for him to improve with us. He will soon show his qualities.”
Team-mate Florent Malouda added: “People don’t realize but he sacrificed for the team working hard to defend, which is an unrewarding and precious job.”
Metz are currently sixth in Ligue 1, having won four of their 10 games so far this season.
They have an option to sign Maiga on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
The Mali international, who scored six goals in 38 appearances for West Ham after joining them from Sochaux in the summer of 2012, spent the second half of last season on loan at QPR, where he scored once.
