Pontus Jansson pays tribute to Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United after Brentford seal promotion to Premier League

Brentford captain Pontus Jansson lifts Championship play-off final trophy at Wembley. Pic: GettyBrentford captain Pontus Jansson lifts Championship play-off final trophy at Wembley. Pic: Getty
Brentford captain Pontus Jansson lifts Championship play-off final trophy at Wembley. Pic: Getty
Pontus Jansson has thanked Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa after Brentford sealed a spot in the Premier League.

The Bees defeated Swansea City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon in the Championship play-off final.

Jansson ended three years with the Whites when being sold to Brentford in July 2019 at the end of head coach Bielsa's first year in charge in West Yorkshire.

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The decision split opinion among the Elland Road support as the Swedish international moved south to the capital.

Jansson, though, will now renew rivalries with United next term in the top flight after losing out to Leeds in the race for promotion last season.

The 30-year-old central defender immediately paid tribute to ex-boss Bielsa and the LS11 outfit after a spot amongst England's elite was secure for the Bees this time around.

"That's probably what makes me proudest. I saw something in Brentford," Jansson said post-match.

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"I am so thankful to [Marcelo] Bielsa and what he gave me at Leeds. He gave me so much knowledge that I actually brought here to Brentford.

"Brentford were so willing to listen to me with the ideas I took from Bielsa, so I thank him a lot. Bielsa for me is one of the best coaches in the world.

"People think our relationship is not the best but it's very good. I am so thankful to him. I love Brentford so much but thanks to him and Leeds."