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.
Pontus Jansson said: “I think it was the right decision because they were running to an end. 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.
