The Germany defender struggled against Rostov and was singled out for criticism by the Bayern Munich chairman, who believes his growing celebrity status is affecting his form
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has singled Jerome Boateng out for criticism after the German champions suffered back-to-back defeats.
Bayern followed up a 1-0 Bundesliga loss at the hands of Borussia Dortmund with a 3-2 reverse in the Champions League against Rostov, and face another stern test when they host Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
The Rostov defeat marked the first time Bayern have lost consecutive matches before the winter break since 2004, and they are six points behind Leipzig in the league after the newly promoted side's win at Freiburg on Friday night.
Boateng was involved in two of Carlo Ancelotti's team's goals against in Russia before being substituted with a thigh injury and Rummenigge believes his growing celebrity status may be affecting his performances.
"Jerome has to calm down and take things easier [off the pitch]," Rummenigge told Bild . "Since the summer, it's all been a bit too much for me.
"It would make sense for the whole club if he comes back to earth a bit."
Boateng, however, has dismissed such concerns and claims he has still not reached full fitness as a result of a long summer representing Germany at Euro 2016.
"The criticism of our, and also my, performance [against Rostov] is justified," the centre-back said. "I did not play well. That's because after my injury at the European Championship and late return for pre-season, I am not yet at 100 per cent.
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