Pundits and fans need to ease up on Adelaide wonderkid Nestory Irankunda as he deals with having the “pressure of Australian football on his shoulders”, United goalkeeper Joe Gauci says.
Irankunda’s turbulent start to the A-League Men season continued last weekend when the teenager was subbed off in the 2-0 defeat to Brisbane Roar.
Broadcast vision later showed him in tears, with former Socceroos midfielder Luke Wilkshire among those voicing concern over Irankunda’s maturity.
The Burundi-born winger, who has agreed to join German giants Bayern Munich at the end of this season, was sent off in a clash with Melbourne Victory last month when his emotions got the better of him.
But as Adelaide bid to snap their form slump when they travel to Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday, Gauci is telling critics to give the 17-year-old an easier ride.
“I can understand his frustration in coming off at an early stage of the game, maybe with his performance as well,” Gauci said.
Adelaide United’s Nestory Irankunda. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
“That’s something he needs to keep in check. But he’s extremely young, he’s 17 years old, he’s just signed at Bayern Munich and has the pressure of Australian football on his shoulders.
“I could never understand the pressure that’s put on him, he’s still a kid and is trying to discover himself as a person and professional.
“It’s easy to judge and make assumptions about how he’s feeling.
“Maybe he can control (his emotions) better and he’ll learn that with age and experience … we just need to take it easy on him.”
Adelaide head to Sydney’s west with a point to prove after winning just one of their last five games.
Despite that, Carl Veart’s side can overtake the fifth-placed Wanderers with victory.
Gauci was the first to hold his hand up for the Reds’ patchy run but said it was natural Adelaide’s young squad would take time before they could be firing on all cylinders every week.
“Consistency throughout the 90 minutes is the biggest thing, and you’ve seen when we do that we can really dominate and control games,” Gauci said.
“It can be frustrating, but at the same time I look towards myself and what I can do to help a team.
“I’m someone at the back, so I’m asking myself how can I be communicating clearer to help the boys in front of me.”
NickA
Roar Rookie
Don't need you to tell me how it is around the world lol. What I am saying is that he has been made the pin up boy of an entire league at 17 and that is a lot of pressure.
Tony Harper
Editor
You clearly weren't around when Kewell was coming through circa 1997
JoshW
Roar Rookie
He carried on like a prawn last visit to Parramatta, so no.
Ferno
Roar Rookie
pressure from where? There is not even a football media in Australia. trust me, the pressure over him is nothing in the football world.
Grem
Roar Rookie
He’s only 17 and Carl Veart seems to be handling him well.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Jamie Young's study in sport psychology has become reasonable.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
i wouldnt say its a sweeping statement, if anything its more of a damning indictment of the game in general and the racial issues that football in australia has always suffered with for 60+ years - from the european immigrants of the 60-00's and then the african refugees from the 00's to current.
NickA
Roar Rookie
There’s pressure to perform & there is pressure from media. I don’t think he has an issue performing under pressure. But every game here he is expected or forced to be a headline – that’s not fair. He’s a 17 year old and has been made the pin up boy for a professional league. He won’t get the same level of pressure over there from media, which will be good for him.
Ferno
Roar Rookie
If he is not ready for A-League pressure, forget Europe. A-League pressure is like sunday in the park.
NickA
Roar Rookie
The attention on Irankunda is almost almost suffocating - he breathes and A leagues have to promote it. I understand they are trying to capitalise on the hype - the A league produces future stars and all that - but at what cost? The kid is 17 and is being absolutely milked for content. It can't be good for him and he would be feeling so much pressure. I guess it comes with the territory and can't be avoided - but I can't help but feel a little sorry for him.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Beware of sweeping statements when trying to make a particular point on a particular issue.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
its very interesting the nararative that the media are running with about the player and adelaide in general this season there has been minimial coverage on the high octane entertaining football adelaide has played all season, yet the media/pundits/fans are happy to target an african refugee teenager. no australian teenage player dubbed as the next wonder kid (kewell, arzani, mooy etc) has ever recieved this level of scrutiny
Ferno
Roar Rookie
Start treating him as an adult now or he will become a Neymar Jr. - a great talent, but hated around the world for being spoiled brat until his 30's. Time to change is now
Redcap
Roar Guru
Yes.
JoshW
Roar Rookie
No.