Pontus Jansson has revealed that he still hopes Leeds United can clinch automatic promotion this season, as well as the fact he’s still in contact with Andrea Radrizzani and other members of the playing squad at Elland Road.

Leeds cut ties with Jansson in the summer after three impressive seasons at Elland Road, with the Swedish international heading across the Championship to Brentford, who he now captains.

And, that Brentford side led by Jansson are breathing down Leeds’ neck in the race for automatic promotion, with the Bees now just two points adrift of Marcelo Bielsa’s faltering side.

Regardless of moving on from Leeds, though, Jansson is still hoping his former side can clinch automatic promotion – alongside his current club.

The 28-year-old told the Guardian: “If I could choose the top two teams to go up, I’d choose us and them [Leeds], of course. I still have Leeds on my heart – that does not change just because I left.

“I will love Leeds until I die, and the same with Brentford. But I’d be lying if I said I don’t want Leeds to lose every game now, because I want us to pass them in the table.

“I still have a lot of friends in the team, I talk to the owner (Radrizzani) and some of the staff, so I want the best for them, but it is difficult when you are fighting against them for the top two spots.”

The nature of the Championship’s promotion race has led to only five points separating Leeds and seventh-placed Bristol City, with a run of two wins in 10 leaving Bielsa’s men looking over their shoulder.

To make matters even more intense, Leeds face a trip to Griffin Park to take on Jansson and Brentford on Tuesday evening, with the Bees knowing a win would put them ahead of the Whites in the midweek standings.

QUIZ: Leeds United in 2019 – How much do you remember about the year gone by?

The Verdict

Jansson clearly holds Leeds as a club in high regard, and why wouldn’t he, with the Whites offering the Swede his first steps in England and a chance to put a faltering career back on track in 2016.

They shared some great memories and went close to promotion last season, but obviously both have moved on now, despite still sharing the same ambition this season.

For Jansson, who is an emotional player, the meeting at Griffin Park on Tuesday will mean a lot to him. However, you can bank on him hoping he can deal Leeds’ promotion hopes a significant blow.

Thoughts? Let us know!