Southampton manager Ruben Selles tried to take the heat off 21-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu after his mistake gave Leeds a vital win at Elland Road.
Junior Firpo scored the only goal after 77 minutes with a weak strike that squeezed past the Irish international who has been criticised this season by Saints fans.
Selles, who was only given the manager’s job on a permanent basis last week, insisted the supporters should hold him responsible rather than the player.
He said: ‘If somebody should be blamed for the goal, it is me.