Simon Grayson suggested Pontus Jansson was a drama queen for overplaying the “little knock” he sustained late in Leeds United’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday.
Grayson claimed the Sweden international robbed his side of crucial momentum as they chased an equaliser and suggested his teammate Liam Cooper and the visitors’ defenders Chris Basham and John Egan would not have been so badly affected.
Jansson underwent extended treatment after a collision with Billy Sharp around the 78-minute mark, staying on the pitch as Leeds had already used all three of their substitutes.
“If he (Jansson) rolls around any more, he will injure his other knee,” said former Leeds boss Grayson, who was on co-commentary duty for talkSPORT’s live coverage of the Elland Road clash.
“I don’t see Egan, or Basham, or Liam Cooper rolling around like that when they get a little knock.
“Leeds had momentum. Don’t let knocks stop that. You’ve got to be careful you don’t stay down too long as it can affect the momentum of the game.”
OPINION
It’s true that Jansson is sometimes guilty of over-egging knocks and minor problems. He is one of those players who loves an audience and is not averse to a bit of melodrama, either. But Grayson was a bit harsh on the giant Swede on this occasion, as he clearly was seriously discomfited by the injury. Jansson had no choice but to stay on the pitch because of a double substitution a minute earlier, which meant Marcelo Bielsa had made his three allotted changes. With his movement severely restricted, the giant centre-back subsequently went to play up front and cause a nuisance in the opposition penalty area. He had a great chance to make it 1-1 but shot wide from six yards out. Jansson was involved in further drama late on following the sending-off of Kiko Casilla, donning the gloves to go in goal for the final stages of what was a pulsating clash.