Former Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has insisted he prefers current manager Thomas Frank over Marcelo Bielsa - admitting that his former club made the ‘right decision’ to cut ties with their iconic boss. Brentford host Leeds on the final day of the season on Sunday with the Whites fighting for their Premier League lives.
Jesse March’s side must better Burnley’s result at home to Newcastle or face the drop, which would be the final straw for an already disastrous season which - among many other problems - saw the much-loved Bielsa depart after a string of heavy defeats.
And ex-Leeds defender Jansson admitted his feelings were ‘mixed’ when the Argentine manager left, but said it was the right decision and compared new Leeds manager Marsch to current Bees boss Frank.
READ MORE: Pontus Jansson intent on securing Brentford win despite Leeds United links
“I think it was the right decision because they were running to an end.” Jansson told The Sun. “I respect Bielsa. He is a fantastic manager but I think they came to an end with each other.
“Jesse Marsch is a similar coach to Thomas [Frank] in terms of man-management. Bielsa has his own way, that’s what it is. He doesn’t want to change.In one way you have to respect that. He has been one of the most respected coaches in the world.
"The best coaches have Bielsa as their idol but for me I believe more in man-management than Bielsa did.He wanted the best for me, the team, and my personal development but Thomas is much more open.
“He listens to his players in a different way than Bielsa so I prefer Thomas.”
The Swede's departure from Elland Road in 2019 was an unexpected and complicated decision. He played 120 times after his move from Torino - originally on loan - in 2016, becoming a fan-favourite and playing a key role in Bielsa’s first season as Leeds chased promotion before losing to Derby in the play-offs.
He was sold to Brentford for just £5.5 million - a price which hinted at Bielsa's eagerness to offload the defender - where he won promotion last season and is now captain.
The Bees have had an outstanding debut season in the Premier League, and can realistically finish as high as 10th with a win on Sunday. In a cruel twist of fate, it is Brentford and Jansson who will have a huge part to play in Leeds’ final fight for survival.
