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Pontus Jansson says one Leeds player was like a father figure to him
Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi has been praised by his former Elland Road teammate Pontus Jansson for having taken him under his wing, and described the Swiss as his standout colleague ().
Jansson was on Leeds’ books between 2017 and 2019, joining the Whites from Torino and making 120 competitive appearances, scoring nine goals and claiming four assists ().
The Sweden international was a fan favourite at Elland Road, but last summer he made the switch to Championship rivals Brentford amid reports of a “breakdown in the relationship” between himself and Marcelo Bielsa ().
Jansson’s contribution to the Brentford cause has been notable, the Bees one of the toughest sides to break down this season with just 27 goals conceded in 33 games and a climb to fifth place in the Championship table.
Nonetheless, Leeds still seem to retain a place in the heart of the 29-year-old, and in conversation with , he deemed Berardi his best ever teammate.
“I would say Gaetano Berardi at Leeds,” replied Jansson when asked to name his standout colleague.
“He was like a fatherly (figure) to me, even though he was only two years older than me. But he was always the one taking care of me in the tough, tough moments so I would say him.”
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Although Jansson made the switch to one of Leeds’ Championship rivals in the summer after a reported relationship breakdown with Bielsa, it’s nice to see that he still thinks of the Elland Road club – and it’s very much a mutual thing, with plenty of Whites fans still fond of Jansson.
Jansson is not the first person to sing Berardi’s praises – in July last year, Bielsa’s right-hand man Salim Lamrani was very complimentary of the Swiss defender on , saying he received a great deal of moral support from the “lion” and always took an interest in his work.
While Berardi may not necessarily be deemed one of Leeds’ standout players on the pitch, that two colleagues have been so complimentary of him speaks volumes about his great character.