Leeds assistant reacts to Samu Saiz’s controversial actions as Whites fans fume

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Leeds United’s Samu Saiz has come in for strong criticism of late.

Leeds United assistant Jamie Clapham has told Leeds Live that Samu Saiz’s actions after being substituted against Barnsley were a great show of passion.

The Whites claimed just their third win of 2018 on Saturday afternoon, beating Yorkshire rivals Barnsley 2-1 at Elland Road in a much-needed victory for boss Paul Heckingbottom.

Tom Pearce’s opener put Leeds in front, and after Paudie O’Connor’s own goal brought Barnsley level, Ezgjan Alioski scored from close range to give Leeds all three points.

It was a mostly positive afternoon for Leeds, but the reaction of Samu Saiz after being substituted for Adam Forshaw on 84 minutes was a major source of disappointment.

The Spanish playmaker was clearly frustrated after being hauled off, as he kicked a water bottle in a show of petulance – or passion, depending on your point of view.

Leeds fans have blasted Saiz on Twitter, suggesting he needs to sort out his attitude and show more maturity given that he is 27, with some even wanting the former Huesca man to leave this summer as a result of his actions.

Now, Leeds assistant Jamie Clapham has told Leeds Live that he thinks the incident was a show of passion from Saiz, and he couldn’t comment on whether Saiz has regressed from his early season form.

“Interesting question,” said Clapham. “I didn’t see him kick the water bottle. I shook his hand when he went off, but I was focusing on the game. You want that passion in players. You want the passion, you want them to be able to do that, but first and foremost, the passion has to show on the pitch. If he’s disappointed at being substituted, that’s just part and parcel of the game.”

“I don’t know. I’ve only seen him since I’ve been into the football club. I can only judge him on the performances he’s given since we’ve been here,” he added.

Here is a selection of tweets from Leeds fans summing up their frustration with Saiz after his attitude against Barnsley, with many clearly furious even if Clapham is attempting to play down the situation.