Marcelo Bielsa has suggested that former Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson “deserves to be received in the right way” when he returns to Elland Road tomorrow night.

Jansson was an important player for Leeds during his three seasons with the club, making 120 appearances, but left the club this summer to join Championship rivals Brentford.

He is set to return to Elland Road for the first time since his departure tomorrow night as Leeds meet the Bees in the Championship and looks likely to take the captain’s armband, having done so for every league game this season.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the clash, Bielsa said the 28-year-old deserved a positive reaction from Leeds fans on Wednesday evening.

According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, the Argentine coach said: “He deserves to be received in the right way. He was the best player on the team last year.

“He had a high-level season and I appreciate what he gave. I think the fans will be fair and recognise what he did.”

It will be a tough task for Jansson to lead his new side to victory at his old stomping ground, given the way the two sides have started this season.

Leeds sit first in the Championship with seven points and are unbeaten this season, while Brentford have had an inconsistent start, winning just once so far in the 2019/20 campaign.

[ad_pod ]

The Verdict

The true motivation behind the sale of Jansson is still uncertain, with some reports suggesting it was due to a falling out between player and manager, and the player himself indicating it was due to financial fair play issues.

It will be interesting to see how well received the Sweden international will be by the Elland Road faithful tomorrow night.

He left on relatively good terms with the fans but he now arrives as the opposition captain at a venue which has shown in the past that it can produce a hostile atmosphere.