Diego Simeone pledged to support Antoine Griezmann after the out-of-sorts forward was whistled by Atletico Madrid fans during the 0-0 draw with rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.
Griezmann has looked a shadow of his former self this season and was again anonymous in the derby stalemate at Wanda Metropolitano.
The France international has shouldered much of the blame for Atletico's scoring woes - netting only twice in 10 league games - and was greeted by jeers from the home supporters during his 76th-minute substitution.
Simeone refused to criticise the attacker, although he did hint that the 26-year-old may be moving toward the exit door.