Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen has admitted that he had considered dropping Pontus Jansson for many games before he did last weekend.

Thomas Christiansen told BBC Radio Leeds that he had taken his time to consider removing Pontus Jansson from the starting line-up after the fans' favourite suffered a loss of form.

Jansson was a key figure in the Leeds United defence last season, forming a formidable partnership with fellow loanee Kyle Bartley.

However, this season, since arriving permanently, Jansson has had a mixed season.

The Swede's loss of form has led to Christiansen questioning his place in the starting line-up and after a dip in results, the Leeds boss decided to be bold and deploy Matthew Pennington and Liam Cooper at centre back instead.

Christiansen's gamble paid off as Liam Cooper and Matthew Pennington put in assured performances and helped Leeds keep a clean sheet in their 3-0 victory over Bristol City on the weekend.

Christiansen said:

“I have had my thoughts about it for some time.

“I think that after the last games this was the moment to do it and the response of Pennington and Liam was perfect.

“I don’t want to speak about players who didn’t play, but the ones who played, because they were the ones who helped the team claim the three points.”

The Verdict

By his own admission, Pontus Jansson has not been good enough this season.

Perhaps this is the wake-up call he needs to get his act together and prove why he is worthy of a first team place.

Until then, Christiansen can be pleased with Pennington and Cooper as a partnership.

Leeds fans - What did you make of this decision? Let us know below...