'Commentator' helps brings understanding to Pablo Hernandez situation for Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa understands the frustration behind Pablo Hernandez' reaction to being substituted against Leicester City last month.
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The Whites attacker responded angrily when his number went up on the fourth official's electronic board, throwing his black armband to the floor and kicking a water bottle as he reached the technical area.

An apology on social media followed, Hernandez posting: "Apologies for my gesture the other day. It was a reaction that nothing describes my way of being or my way of thinking. I have always represented and will represent the values ​​of this club and this fans as they deserve."

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There was a consequence, however. Hernandez was declared fit but not included in the matchday squad by Bielsa, for the following game, a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

He subsequently picked up a knock in training and when he did return to the squad, for the game against West Ham, Bielsa's decision to not bring him on was taken as a sign that all was still not well.

But in midweek, against Newcastle United, Hernandez was given the nod by the head coach late in the second half and stepped off the bench to create two late goals. It was the kind of impact the Whites came to rely on late last season during the promotion push, when Hernandez made match-changing contributions as a substitute, all the while nursing a niggle.

Bielsa, asked how difficult it would be for a player of the 35-year-old's quality and experience to accept such a role, revealed it was not only a difficult situation for a player to encounter, but for the one making such decisions.

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"For any player it is difficult for them to be a substitute," he said.

MOOD UNDERSTOOD - Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa indicated he knows the frustration for players like Pablo Hernandez who don't get the minutes they want. Pic: GettyMOOD UNDERSTOOD - Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa indicated he knows the frustration for players like Pablo Hernandez who don't get the minutes they want. Pic: Getty
MOOD UNDERSTOOD - Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa indicated he knows the frustration for players like Pablo Hernandez who don't get the minutes they want. Pic: Getty

"For the prestigious players and those who are idols it's even more difficult. In a parallel way, in football not everyone can play. Before the start of the competition nobody can be guaranteed how many minutes they will play. We all understand it is this way. There's no doubt that it is difficult to put this into practise in a harmonious way."

And the Argentine went on to explain that he had been given food for thought with regard to a substituted player's display of anger, strongly suggesting he was seeing Hernandez' response in a softer light than he initially might have.

"For example, the other day, I was told it is normal for a player who was substituted to manifest their feelings in a bad way," he said.

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"I heard it from a commentator in another country. It came to my attention that until one point it was common, but to understand that the player who doesn't play the minutes he wants to play. And of course, I understand the dissatisfaction and without a doubt it is very difficult to manage that."

Those words and the events at Elland Road on Wednesday night should reassure Leeds fans that, even if a fierce competitor like Hernandez will struggle with the idea of not starting games, there is no issue preventing the Spaniard from producing further moments of magic for them and for his head coach.

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