In our latest instalment of the Flashback series, we take a look back at a certain moment and look at how things might have changed those initial reactions.
Leeds United fans had reacted pretty angrily to the news that Pontus Jansson had been sold to Championship rivals Brentford this summer.
The Sweden international defender was sold to the Bees for an alleged £5.5m amid concerns surrounding the Whites’ position in terms of Financial Fair Play regulations.
However, his departure from Elland Road was all the more surprising once Marcelo Bielsa admitted the defender was his best player last season and was quoted by Leeds Live saying: “He deserves to be received with the right reception (?). He was the best player last season. I cannot talk about his previous years because I wasn’t here. He did a high level last season. I appreciate what Jansson gave to the team. I think the fans are going to be fair and recognise what Jansson did here.”
Looking at his stats by WhoScored, the Argentine also appears to have a case to back up his claims suggesting that the defender was his best player.
The 28-year-old managed to average a rather impressive 2.4 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 4.2 clearances with a player rating of 7.27 as the Whites fell just short in their quest of obtaining promotion to the Premier League.
Indeed, there were rumours that the Argentine manager and the centre-back had fallen out with each other, which could, perhaps, be a reason as to why he was shifted on to a potential Championship rival.
Here are just some of the initial reactions to his departure from Elland Road…
Worst decision you’ve made in recent years @andrearadri , fans favourite! There best be a massive replacement coming in, PR disaster #lufc
— All Leeds Aren’t We (@LeedsNewsMOT) July 8, 2019
Horrible feeling someone thinks a shiny new kit is going to mask the fact our defence is so wafer thin that slim fast want the recipe. Struggling to see how we are stronger than last season, can only hope we make some big signings #lufc
— Smithy (@officiallysmith) July 8, 2019
Another pathetic and shameful deal done by the club. The best player this club has had since he’s signed, he got what it meant to be Leeds, wanted to win with Leeds, gave us so great moments and we’ve gone and thrown him out for a disgracefully low fee. Shameful from Radz!
— Conor Stalbow (@cstalbow) July 8, 2019
Embarrassing joke of a decision by this corrupt owner and dictatorial coach #lufc
— CM (@CM0114081723) July 8, 2019
@andrearadri disgraceful!!
— mayfair whites (@ben1buck) July 8, 2019
Massive mistake.. You just sold one of our best players.. someone who understood the fans and was loved by us.. its over now but you must respond by making a signing which will replace him.. not easy on the money you accepted.. Mugged off #LUFC
— ROSSii (@MrROSSii1990) July 8, 2019
Of course, it would appear as though the fans that took to Twitter had every right to be angry at the time, although those reactions now appear to be a little misplaced.
Having conceded just three goals this season so far (BBC Sport), Liam Cooper and Ben White have both been in stellar form for the Whites in the early stages of the campaign.
Skipper Cooper, who has recently been called up to the Scotland National side, has achieved an average of one tackle, 1.6 interceptions and four clearances in his five appearances, whereas White has 2.5 tackles, 4.2 interceptions and 3.7 clearances every 90 minutes he plays.
In comparison, Jansson has managed to achieve 1.8 tackles, 2.7 interceptions and four clearances for Brentford in his six matches as he looks to make Griffin Park his new home.
Indeed, it appears the club have been fortunate enough not to be in a position whereby they are lamenting the decision to let him go.
Leeds fans, what did you think of Jansson’s departure? Has your opinion changed? Let us know your thoughts by sharing them in the comments section below!
