'He showed' - Mathias Jaissle reacts as Newcastle United star issues dressing room apology after Leeds defeat
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Steur apologised for his mistake during the 4-1 defeat at Leeds United.
Matthias Jaissle has defended Sean Steur after the Newcastle United midfielder apologised for his mistake during the 4-1 defeat at Leeds United on Monday night.
The 18-year-old was named on the bench for the trip to Elland Road but was called into action just 19 minutes in after Nico Gonzalez was forced off with a head injury.
Steur took his place in the midfield alongside Lewis Miley and the pair were involved in Leeds’ opening goal, as Ao Tanaka’s shot deflected off Steur and Miley to take the ball past goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
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The Dutchman was then at fault as Leeds quickly doubled their lead, underhitting his pass to Harvey Barnes in the build-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading in a cross from the right.
The Whites went on to add a third on the brink of half-time through Calvert-Lewin again before Noah Okafor made it 4-0 on the hour mark. Newcastle marginally improved from there on and grabbed a late consolation via substitute Bazoumana Toure.
Matthias Jaissle responds to Sean Steur’s apology
Taking to social media after the game, Steur said sorry for his mistake. Jaissle insists he didn’t have to apologise, but believes it highlights the teenager’s maturity at such a young age.
"Not needed at all,” Jaissle told NewcastleWorld. “He is apologising because he showed up as a young lad. I remember there were already games where everyone was celebrating him for his attitude, for his maturity at 18 years.
“This is exactly the thing where I tell him mistakes can happen, such as a pass which led then afterwards to a goal. We can talk also if we could have avoided in the box then probably nobody would speak about it, so he gets the full confidence from my side.
"Not a single doubt on him. He has pure quality at such a young age, how he responds. He still asks for the balls afterwards, so he's not hiding and this is the right approach.
“Again from the coaching staff and I'm sure from the fans, he will get the full support.”
Steur will start against Hull City on Saturday with Gonzalez ruled out through concussion protocols, while Jacob Ramsey is out with a thigh injury. Joelinton is also still sidelined.