On the field, Leeds United were crying out for a non-nonsense defender who could grab a game by the collar and pull it upright. That defender turned out to be Swede Pontus Jansson.
It was early in the season when journalist Joe Rawson tweeted that Leeds fans could expect the arrival of an ‘international’ from Italy. Memories of an influx from the Italian lower leagues flashed across fans’ minds and nightmares were likely referenced to Giuseppe Bellusci’s display at the back.
But, Pontus Jansson is as far removed from what had come over in previous season’s of Massimo Cellino’s reign as Lee Sharpe is from Lionel Messi. if truth be told, Jansson’s presence at Leeds United was unlikely, the 6ft 5in Swede being easily capable of gracing many a Premier League side.
Leeds’ efforts and final finishing position cannot be tied down to just Jansson, but there is little doubting that he played a major part in how the Whites fortunes turned around after a ghastly start to the season. His commitment and displays for the cause very quickly earned him a place in the hearts of those on the terraces.
His initial deal from Serie A side Torino was merely a loan, but it soon became apparent that Jansson’s loan involved a right-to-buy conversion clause that became active after 20-or-so games. That was activated early February and the club announced his permanent capture on a three-year deal.
As uncompromising as he is on the field, Jansson has proved so off it with his reaction to criticism by some Leeds United fans on social media. These fans, ‘upset’ that he is training with former side Malmö in order to maintain match fitness ahead of a World Cup Qualifier against France, have voiced their criticism on Twitter.
However, it is criticism that Jansson dismisses in the most brutal manner possible in an interview with Swedish publication Expressen. Speaking of the criticism levelled at him, Jansson states: “It’s pure bullshit. I have full focus when I play in Leeds and then I love Malmö next. Nobody can change [that]. So they can like what they want.”
Jansson is due back in England to begin pre-season preparations with Leeds United in late June, ahead of which he’ll have to deal with the little matter of getting married to sweetheart Asa Thornell.
