Marcelo Bielsa’s previous comments might explain Pontus Jansson exit decision

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Pontus Jansson looks set to leave Leeds United this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa said to be on board with the decision. 

As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, there has been ‘a breakdown in relationship’ between Jansson and the club. 

West London Sport have since reported that Brentford are ‘close to sealing a deal’ for the 28-year-old. The fee involved is reported to be £5 million. Former YEP Leeds chief Phil Hay, however, has suggested £5.5 million is more accurate.

The news has been met with surprise. The low fee and destination are hard to fathom. 

However, the fact he is leaving, in hindsight, adds up. 

In fact, Leeds fans can probably pinpoint the exact moment his time under Bielsa looked doomed. It was when he tried to tackle Albert Adomah during the Aston Villa fair-play fiasco. 

Leeds United had scored a controversial goal after confusion over an injury to Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia. 

It appeared Leeds were putting the ball out of play, only for Tyler Roberts to slot in Mateusz Klich for an opening goal. 

Bielsa eventually demanded that his team allow Aston Villa an equaliser. Everyone was on board, apart from Jansson. 

After the game, Bielsa’s post-match comments were strong, as reported by Leeds Live. It was taken lightly at the time. Bielsa seemed to be joking. But the Argentine does not have the nickname ‘El Loco’ for fun. 

“Jansson did not want to listen. This diminishes my authority. I don’t know what the consequences are when you lose the faith of the player. This is my ironic response to you.

“My analysis, not everyone accepts destiny in the same way. When you have to give up something so hard to reach.” 

The Argentine is not a man to cross and Jansson may have found that out the hard way. After the Villa game, Jansson struggled against Ipswich, was reported injured for the first-leg of the play-off clash with Derby County and sat on the bench for the crunch decider. 

As the Swede sat, desolate and alone, on the Elland Road turf that May night, the writing was clearly on the wall. 

As far as Bielsa is concerned, it looks like Jansson’s magic hat may have fallen off.