Matthias Jaissle explains Sean Steur's Newcastle United omission
Sean Steur was again an unused substitute as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United summer signing Sean Steur was an unused substitute for the second match running.
The 18-year-old was labelled “exceptional” by head coach Matthias Jaissle following his performance in the 2-1 win over Hull City before the international break.
But since returning from Netherlands under-21s duty, Steur hasn’t played a single minute, having been left on the bench for last Monday’s 4-1 defeat at Coventry City and Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
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Matthias Jaissle explains Sean Steur omission
When asked why Steur was overlooked again, Jaissle said: “First of all, he's one of the youngest lads, so that's something we mentioned from the start, that it needs time. I mentioned it, that Nico [Gonzalez] was doing it today, he's very good, he's a leader for a young squad in that position.
“So that's sometimes not only something with the player who's not playing, that’s also an aspect for the lad who's playing.”
Jaissle's comments came after he told The Gazette in the build-up to the Villa defeat that Steur and Gonzalez are capable of playing alongside each other.
“There could be a way,” said Jaissle. “Of course, from the player profile, they are quite similar due to their qualities and how they interpret a position, but there is always a potential also to see both.”
Before the game, Jaissle had suggested Steur was close to playing after admitting he was “knocking on the door”. However, the midfielder was left disappointed.
“Of course he's knocking on the door due to his quality,” Jaissle said on Thursday. “He shows that in the training sessions.
“This is a player I mentioned many times where I believe that we have so much joy and fun with him in the future here at the club. But he needs also time.
“He had that up and downs already during the season. Nico did a good job as well, even though we lost against Coventry. So he's knocking on the door and I'm aware of it and he should just continue developing.”