48 hours later, Leeds fans reflect as the Jansson mystery deepens

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

20 Mar 2017, 9:33 am

By Alex Stevens

Leeds fans on Twitter are still speculating as to the real reason why Pontus Jansson was omitted from the team for Saturday's 2-0 win against Brighton.

The defender's name was once again on the lips, and fingertips, of the Elland Road faithful after he was named on Monday in the official Championship team of the season.

Jansson, who has gone on international duty with Sweden, was one of two Leeds players in the XI along with the division's leading scorer Chris Wood.

Supporters are still perplexed why the man voted one of the two outstanding centre-backs in the Championship this season was deemed the wrong selection by Garry Monk against second-placed Brighton in a top-of-the-table clash.

Jansson was benched, Liam Cooper was brought in from the cold to partner Kyle Bartley at the back, and a rejigged defence also missing the suspended Luke Ayling kept another clean sheet to secure a memorable win.

But some Leeds fans are speculating as to what has gone on behind the scenes to prompt the axe for the Swedish centre-back, while others expressed their desire for him to be reinstated into the starting XI.

There is concern that there could be a bigger issue between manager and player not yet in the public domain,

Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter about the deepening Jansson mystery:

Actually think Pontus Jansson would do a good job for Leeds in the Premier League👍#lufc #mot
— Ryan (@LeedsUtdRyan) March 20, 2017

Bartley ahead of Dunk all day long Jansson & Bartley best CB partnership in championship by far. #lufc
— Adam Ross (@rossi_on) March 20, 2017

As good as Jansson is and we love him Barltey is more important to the team for me, not sure why Jansson was out but in Monk we trust #lufc
— Kershaw (@Kershaw444) March 20, 2017

Jansson has started 28 of Leeds' 38 Championship matches since joining from Torino initially on a season-long loan last summer.

The defender has been such a success for the fourth-placed team that he has agreed to join Leeds on a permanent contract when he loan expires in May.

Leeds' win over Brighton kept alive their hopes of automatic promotion, although they remain eight points adrift of the second-placed side with eight matches of the campaign remaining.

In other Leeds team news, the Yorkshire giants are in shock talks to sign a Liverpool attacking player.

We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Leeds breaking news.

Leeds United

Liam Cooper

Pontus Jansson