Ian Baraclough says he understands why supporters took their frustration out on him after Northern Ireland's 3-2 defeat to Kosovo in Pristina.
A chant of “cheerio, cheerio” could be heard from a section of the 500-strong travelling support after Thursday night's dispiriting Nations League loss to the world’s 107th ranked team.
The loss leaves Northern Ireland, who have yet to win in 13 Nations League games dating back to 2018, with just one point from their opening three group games.
Read more: Northern Ireland fans turn on Ian Baraclough after latest defeat
It also means Baraclough has won just three of 19 competitive games as manager since succeeding Michael O’Neill in the summer of 2020.
Asked about the chants afterwards, Baraclough said: "It’s understandable. They’re here, they want to follow and watch a team, their team playing.
“But what do we do about players who are being blooded and building for the future?
“Let’s not be all negative about the way they’ve gone and played.
“Yes, about the result. I understand that, and I understand the fans’ frustration but there are ways to losing a game of football and that’s it.”
Northern Ireland started the latest edition of the Nations League as top seeds, but got off to a losing start with a 1-0 home defeat to Greece eight days ago.
Sunday’s scoreless draw in Cyprus, who are ranked 105th in the world, and last night’s demoralising defeat in Pristina leaves them well off the pace and low in confidence.
And all of a sudden, anything other than a win against Cyprus at Windsor Park on Sunday is unthinkable.
“I think the crowd will be all in behind the team, not a problem,” insisted Baraclough.
“Play like that, with that intensity and positivity, and create the chances we create and I’m sure we’ll win the game.
“If Windsor can get behind the young kids, behind the team in full, the onus is on us to do something, to start with intensity and take the game to the opposition.”
Baraclough pointed to the inexperience in his side with senior stars Stuart Dallas, Craig Cathcart, Conor Washington, Josh Magennis and Corry Evans all unavailable for this international window.
Huddersfield Town teenager Brodie Spencer started at right-back while Glentoran’s Conor McMenamin was handed a first start on the left wing.
Impressive Manchester City midfielder Shea Charles and Liverpool’s Conor Bradley were also sprung from the bench as Northern Ireland chased a response.
“Count the caps,” said Baraclough. “Take Davo (Steven Davis), Jonny (Evans), Kyle Lafferty out of the side and see how inexperienced the group is.
“We also lost Paddy McNair on the morning of the match. They have to learn and get that experience from somewhere and I thought the young lads showed great spirit.
“Shea Charles, Conor Bradley, they’re lads who weren’t around a few months ago, who might have expected to be playing for the under-21s or under-19s.”
Read more: Northern Ireland player ratings in 3-2 defeat to Kosovo
Read more: Ian Baraclough and Conor McMenamin reflect on Nations League defeat
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
