A round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines on Friday, 20 May.
Jansson hoping for 'good fairytale' ahead of crunch Brentford clash
Ex-Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has revealed it would be "a sad day" if his Brentford side prevented the Whites from securing their Premier League survival when the two teams face-off this weekend. Leeds travel to Brentford on Sunday, knowing that they will almost certainly have to win to stay in the Premier League.
An injury-time equaliser from Pascal Struijk helped the Whites out of the relegation zone last time out, but Jesse Marsch's side could find themselves back in the bottom three should Burnley pick up a point or beat Aston Villa in their game in hand. Departing for Brentford in July 2019, Jansson made 120 appearances during his time at Elland Road, almost helping Leeds to the play-off final in the 2018/19 campaign that saw the Whites lose out to Derby in the semi-finals in agonising fashion.
The 31-year-old Swedish defender played a pivotal role in helping Brentford reach the Premier League last season, and has been a mainstay in the Bees starting XI since his arrival in West London.
Leeds United's 'mind the gap' slight, Brentford's 'they fear us' mistake and a 2020 revival needed
If Brentford and Ivan Toney have ‘mind the gap’ at the front of their minds, Leeds United should recall ‘they fear us’ and the night they began their final march to the Premier League. The day after Arsenal beat the Whites, the Bees striker was happy to dig up a video from July 2020 and United’s title-winning celebrations.
Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas were bouncing up and down with the Championship trophy and mocking Thomas Frank’s Brentford, telling him to mind the gap. It was 12 points at that stage, if you had forgotten.
The club tweeted the clip and deleted it, but not before, of course, the internet saved it for posterity. It’s clear which 41-second video will be front of mind when Pontus Jansson’s Brentford take to the field on Sunday.
Leeds United chief's resignation may free up more time for Elland Road business
Vice-chairman Paraag Marathe has resigned from the top job at USA Cricket in a move which may boost his time and energy with Leeds United. Marathe was appointed second in command at Elland Road in January 2021 when 49ers Enterprises increased its ownership stake to 37 per cent (it increased to 44 per cent in November 2021).
Marathe is also executive vice-president of football operations with San Francisco 49ers and has been the face of the NFL franchise’s investment at Leeds since 2018. In what was a busy year for the board member, Marathe also became one of the inaugural directors at USA Cricket in 2018 before being appointed as chairman by his colleagues in the same year.
Marathe was then reappointed chairman for a second term in March 2021, but this week announced he will step down from the organisation entirely once it has found a successor. He said: “Thank you to everyone associated with USA Cricket for their commitment to building a strong foundation for the sport in the United States through collaboration over the last three-plus years.
'I'd bet anything' Gabby Agbonlahor makes Leeds United survival claim
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes Leeds United will have enough to see off Brentford in order to stay in the Premier League. The Whites are in the final relegation spot heading into the final day, level on points with Burnley.
The Clarets will host Newcastle United at Turf Moor, while Jesse Marsch's side head to West London. “I actually think they will beat Brentford away,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.
“Brentford are in good form and it’s their last game of the season at home but when you are fighting for your life and you know if you win you’ve got a chance of staying up, you are winning that game. If Leeds go into the last game knowing a win will keep them in the Premier League, they are winning that game. I’d bet anything on Leeds winning that game and staying up.
“It’s massive for Leeds to stay up. I’ve had banter with Leeds fans for a couple of years but I want them to stay up, they’re a big club with a big fan base and play entertaining football.”
