Christiansen reveals showdown talks with Leeds mainstay over his form
Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen has revealed that he took defender Pontus Jansson to one side earlier in the season and urged him to raise his game after mixed form.
The 26-year-old is regarded as a key player at Elland Road and quickly became a fan favourite last season during his time with the club.
He is renowned for being a no-nonsense centre-back and one of the best defenders in the Championship.
However, Jansson suffered a dip in form earlier in the campaign and was even left on the bench in October for the 3-0 win over Bristol City.
The Sweden international has forced his way back into the Whites starting line up and is beginning to match his top standards.
Christiansen has explained that he held showdown talks with Jansson about his role and feels he is now back to his best.
“Everyone has to take one step up, especially him,” Christiansen said in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Leeds Live.
“I didn’t see him taking the responsibilities he had to but I have had several talks with him individually.
“He felt the same and understood it. Also the club believe in him, they showed it with the extension of the contract. He had to reply on that and now we have the Pontus we need.”
Jansson is expected to be involved in the starting XI alongside centre-back partner Liam Cooper at the weekend for the home clash against Hull in the Championship.
The Yorkshire giants know a victory will mean they occupy a play-off position on Christmas Day and have a huge incentive to pick up three points.
Christiansen’s side are unbeaten in their last four league matches and will start as strong favourites to win against 19th-placed Hull.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit has pinpointed the key change at the club.
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