Leeds United centre-half Pontus Jansson was in the hot seat for Wednesday’s pre-game press conference ahead of Friday’s Championship tie with Middlesbrough.
Having not always had an easy time of it at Elland Road following his arrival from Torino back in August 2016, the 27-year-old Swede is largely well-liked by most fans and all players have ups and downs during a campaign – that’s natural – and we certainly need him fit and at his best if we are to achieve what manager Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping for in 2018/19.
There have even been some doubts as to whether he’d remain with us this season as earlier in the transfer window the YEP reported that we had turned down a £10million offer from Krasnodar for his services despite his new long-term contract, but he certainly doesn’t sound like a man who is looking for a move away.
& we LOVE you TOO @PJansson5 ????????????
— Helen Walker (@hellsbelles92) August 29, 2018
I like Pontus but I just wish he would give me his shirt
— Ethan???? (@Whitestar1602) August 29, 2018
Pontus, it's a minority that don't like you playing and you've got a massive backing from 100's of 1000's that don't get to games
— Dale Whitehead (@dalesw71) August 29, 2018
We love you magic man! MOT
— Linda (@HGWhites) August 29, 2018
I Love you
— Melissa Ann Capes (@Melissaanncapes) August 29, 2018
What a lovely young man
— Matt Massarella-Gill (@3788MG) August 29, 2018
Working his way back to full fitness following an extended break after the World Cup in Russia over the summer, fans are clearly hoping he continues stepping up this year as he’s more than played his part in our start to life under Bielsa and long may that continue.