Dominic Matteo thinks Leeds captain Liam Cooper may need a word with Pablo Hernandez

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Dominic Matteo has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he did not like to see Pablo Hernandez’s reaction to being substituted in Leeds United’s defeat on Monday night, and suggested that Liam Cooper may need to have a word with the Spaniard.

Hernandez got the chance to make only his second start of the season this week. The 35-year-old came in for the clash with Leicester City with Rodrigo being forced to sit out.

It proved to be a frustrating night for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. They were punished for a handful of errors and ultimately lost the game 4-1 – with a couple of late goals making the points safe for the Foxes.

At one stage in the second-half however, it appeared that Leeds may be on the cusp of finding an equaliser. Stuart Dallas had made the score 2-1. And the Whites certainly appeared to be on top.

Hernandez himself hit the bar with a delicious effort from outside the area. The 35-year-old – who endured a tough game until that point – reminded everyone of his quality with a brilliant piece of skill before curling the ball towards the frame of the goal.

Ultimately however, it proved to be his last meaningful action of the game. Perhaps surprisingly, Bielsa decided to replace Hernandez with Tyler Roberts with 23 minutes remaining.

‘Didn’t look good to me’

Hernandez – who came off on the opposite side of the pitch – made it very clear just what he thought of the decision.

And while Matteo insisted that he could understand why Hernandez was disappointed, he suggested that the way that he expressed his frustration may have crossed a line.

Leeds appear to have a fantastic team spirit. And from the outside, it would appear that Bielsa may have more of a closer relationship with Hernandez than he does with others.

That may be because of the magician’s status amongst the squad and the fact that Bielsa probably has an easier time communicating with Hernandez than he does with others who speak little Spanish.

So perhaps it should not be a surprise if little more is said of the incident publicly. It was a night of real frustration for Leeds on the pitch. And his number appearing on the fourth official’s board was probably just the catalyst for Hernandez’s frustration to boil over.