Courtois slams Chelsea fans for booing players during Leicester draw

Chelsea fans are doing a poor job of endearing themselves to Thibaut Courtois during a time when the club is apparently attempting to sign the Belgian goalkeeper to a new long-term contract.

Courtois blasted the supporters at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after Chelsea players were subjected to a chorus of boos and whistles during a 0-0 draw with Leicester City. The result marked the first time in club history that Chelsea produced a goalless draw for the third consecutive match across all competitions.

Rather than sympathize with the frustrated fan base, Courtois has called on the Chelsea faithful to offer their support instead of voicing their displeasure whenever a mistake is made.

"I know we as a team didn't have a good game, it was our third goalless draw, but we need the fans here at Stamford Bridge to get behind the team and not, when a player has a bad pass or a bad shot, start booing and whistling," Courtois told Chelsea TV, according to the Press Association. "I don't think we're playing a bad season."

The 25-year-old, who has 18 months left on his contract but confirmed last week a new deal is close, added that frustration over the team's style of play is unfounded.

"It's important that the fans must know that we want to play out from the back," he said. "And they don't have to get nervous. If they start shouting, it doesn't help us. (Against Leicester, there) was too much of that.

"When we play out from the back, it's important for us that they know that we want to do that. There's a risk involved and we know that, but that's our game."

Rumours have linked Courtois with a possible move to Real Madrid. If talks break down with Chelsea officials and he were to make the switch, he would need thicker skin at the Santiago Bernabeu, where superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale aren't spared from the crowd's jeers.