Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Charlotte FC Coach Breaks Silence on Wilfried Zaha Criticism: ‘I Beg People'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 9:10 AM ET

One of the biggest stars in the MLS is Charlotte FC forward Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast star has received a lot of criticism throughout his career, like other superstar players in football, but recently, Zaha has been open to responding to critics online.

The Charlotte FC star uses social media apps like Snapchat to respond to fans or criticism directly. One of the criticisms Zaha receives is his complaining on the pitch and off the pitch.

Zaha's strong personality has not changed, and Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith responds to the criticism of his player in a recent interview with Topbin 90.

Dean Smith Defends Wilfried Zaha

In an interview with TopBin90, Smith was asked about the complaints about Wilfried Zaha during his time at Charlotte FC.

Wilfried Zaha demands a lot from his teammates at Charlotte FC, and that experience has led them to a 4th place finish in the Eastern Conference with 56 points after 33 matches played.

Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith speaks on how many people don't actually know his player, and what he understands about the game.

Smith 'begs' people online to think before speaking about people. Dean Smith says, "They don't understand what he's about, how much he loves the game... with the world of social media, I would beg people to not make instant opinions on people. You've got to get to know people first and give them a time to settle as well."