The Socceroos have one point from their opening two games in Group C and need to beat Peru in the final game to stay alive.

Kruse copped social media abuse after his performances against France and Denmark in the World Cup.

Leckie then slammed the people who have criticised Kruse on social media.

“For his own people, Australians, to be slagging him off, it’s not OK and everyone’s upset about it,” Leckie said in Kazan on Saturday.

“It’s really disappointing what’s been said, I haven’t seen much of it and I think Robbie tries to stay away from it as well.

“We’re representing Australia and people are saying those bad things. It’s understandable people might like other players more than others, but it doesn’t give anyone a right to abuse a player.

“It’s becoming write-ups and it’s very hard to stay away from it. It’s sad because we represent our country as players and he’s doing all he can to represent himself, his family and our country.

“Hopefully it tones down and people can understand the reason why he’s playing, there’s a reason behind it.

“He’s not playing because the coach has a private liking to him, (it’s because) he does so much for the team on the pitch that people don’t see.”

Behich was adamant the flak hadn’t affected Kruse and was still “laughing about” in the training camp.

The 27-year-old also pointed out his critics lacked empathy for the injuries he’s endured in his career.


“It’s people who sit behind a computer and they’ve probably never kicked a ball before,” Behich said.

“It’s a bit disappointing, it’s got no part in our game. Ultimately, it’s just a sport when you think about it, we’re out here to entertain and do a job.

“Krusey’s a true professional and he’s a good mate as well. I love having him around, we play on the left side together and for the people who criticise him, I don’t think they actually watch the game and how hard he works during the game, especially defensively and how he wears down the opponent.

“What he’s been through in his career like injury set-backs and for him to be at a World Cup in the first XI, I think a lot of players would’ve crumbled a long time ago. It just shows the character he’s got.”

Leckie added Kruse still had a part to play in the Socceroos at this World Cup.

“He’s shocked and it’s disappointing, not just for him, but all players,” he said.

“Robbie’s played five – 10 (European) Champions League games, it doesn’t happen by accident.

“He’s a great player and he used to play for a massive club like Bayer Leverkusen, so the quality is there and he’s in the starting XI because of his quality.”