Leeds United fans took to Twitter to express their hope that Pontus Jansson’s snub by Sweden on Monday night could provide a catalyst for a turnaround in his club form.
Jansson was an unused substitute as Sweden qualified for next year’s World Cup at the expense of Italy, who miss out on the finals for the first time in 60 years.
Italy were held to a 0-0 draw in Milan in the second leg of their World Cup play-off against the Scandinavian country, who won the first leg 1-0, and failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Leeds fans were interested in Jansson’s role for his country, which amounted to watching on from the sidelines as they qualified for the tournament in Russia next summer.
Supporters are delighted that the centre-back, 26, will be playing in a World Cup and hope that the carrot of being in the Sweden team can be a turning point in his United form.
Jansson has been well below par over the last six weeks and lost his place in the starting XI after admitting on social media that he had been playing s***.
But fans hope things are about to change for their key man.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
PONTUS as qualified for WC with his home nation.. do you think this is turning point to make him play better. To put Leeds back into top flight football.
Dallas on left
Alioski on the right
Saiz up front
We need better performances FROM NOW ON BOYS #LUFC #WACCOE#TOPFLIGHT— Paul Gilbey (@PaulGilbey) November 14, 2017
If Jansson needed anymore motivation this should be it. Play outta your skin and have the prospect of representing your country at the World Cup! Let’s back the boys and turn our season around Again!! #alaw #mot #lufc #ononon https://t.co/mqITAGrgIc
— Raw (@rawakaror) November 14, 2017
Sweden are going to the World Cup ahead of Italy! There’s a metaphor for Leeds United if ever I saw one #Lufc #MOT #Pontus #Jansson
— Remy Walker (@MrRemy_walker) November 13, 2017
Motivation for Pontus Jansson to get back to his old self! Gonna have to start smashing people again to make that World Cup squad! Not long ago he kept Ronaldo quiet, now he doesn’t get on the pitch #lufc
— Ash (@AshHogdog) November 13, 2017
Pontus is Russia Bound! ????????*
*Subject to Jansson getting back to his old form???? #lufc pic.twitter.com/S9ZGmnBshx
— LeedsUtdPics (@YeboahBelieveIt) November 13, 2017