To be fair, they must have known what they were getting with Andrea Pirlo.
The Italian legend has never been the type of aggressive midfielder who sprints to close down space or busts a gut to deny an opposition attacker a shot at goal.
And he was most certainly not going to become that player when his late 30s arrived.
For so long, Pirlo was adored for his nonchalance and ability to move the ball, meaning he didn’t have to do all that much running about.
But one can imagine how it might piss off a supporter to see one player giving less effort to the team cause than others, regardless of whether it’s a superstar or not.
The Pirlo charm has finally worn off among New York City FC fans, who were less than impressed with the 38-year-old’s lack of urgency and apparent apathy when it came to defending.
Armchair Analyst: Playing Pirlo is too big a risk, given what he costs NYCFC defensively #TORvNYC pic.twitter.com/JuGyXWeny2
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) July 30, 2017
Pirlo didn’t seem too concerned with closing down a long-range attempt at goal from Sebastian Giovinco when Toronto thrashed New York City FC 4-0 on Sunday night.
As the final 20 minutes approached, Giovinco found the net for the second time but, again, Pirlo displayed questionable defending as he broke away from the wall during a Toronto free kick.
At least the #NYCFC wall kept Pirlo safe on Sebastian Giovinco's second goal. pic.twitter.com/VHqfydku8e
— Mitchell Tierney (@mitchelltierney) July 30, 2017
It’s safe to say that supporters’ patience has run out.
The whole Pirlo not defending/moving thing isn't cute anymore. He has no business being on the pitch. #TORvNYC #MLS
— Scott Sandalow (@ScottSandalow) July 30, 2017
That's the risk of playing Pirlo. He's so slow to close down space, opens up underneath for Seba. #TORvNYC
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) July 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/CountryLiberal/status/891738504379731968
I love Pirlo, but lazy defending led to a great finish by Giovinco. Too much space to shoot. Father time always wins #mls #TORvNYC
— Eric Faulconer (@CoachEFaulconer) July 30, 2017
LOL. On TFC's 2nd goal, Pirlo was in the wall until just before the kick. Then he decided to HIDE BEHIND THE WALL. #TORvNYC pic.twitter.com/lvGp3s5UAu
— Rick Resnick (@RickResnick) July 30, 2017
You just can't play Pirlo anymore. It's a liability. #TORvNYC #MLS
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/sayedmcfc/status/891891157537619968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.101greatgoals.com%2Fnews%2Fsocial%2Fnew-york-city-fc-fans-turn-andrea-pirlo%2F
Some stats I've put together regarding @NYCFC in 2017 when Pirlo starts vs when he does not. @NYCFCStatLine @NYCFCfan @hudsonriverblue pic.twitter.com/IuZFX9YI6h
— NYC Phila-Fan (@NYC_PhilaFan) July 30, 2017
Move, @Pirlo_official. Vamanos!#TFCLive | #NYCFC | #TORvNYC pic.twitter.com/aqsGGI9KFX
— Eric Giacometti (@Eric_Giacometti) July 30, 2017
