Bilal El Khannouss backs Malik Tillman after Bayer Leverkusen fans’ boos

Bilal El Khannouss has offered support to Malik Tillman after the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was booed by his own supporters.

Tillman joined Bayer Leverkusen from PSV in the summer of 2025 but has yet to establish himself at the German club. His performances have drawn whistles and jeers from sections of the home support, prompting El Khannouss to question him about the abuse after the two players faced each other.

The Stuttgart attacker was surprised by the situation. Cameras recorded a conversation between the pair in the stadium tunnels after the match, with the exchange later reported by the German press.

“They really booed you? Why?” El Khannouss asked the United States international.

Tillman’s response was unclear.

According to RP, the midfielder has “absolutely failed to live up to expectations” since his move from PSV in 2025. The transfer was a club-record deal worth about 35 million euros.

El Khannouss has experienced a similar situation himself. The Morocco international did not leave Leicester City on good terms with the club’s supporters before moving to Leverkusen.