Pontus Jansson wants to take feeling of Sweden's World Cup qualification back to Leeds
Sunday 19 November 2017 07:39, UK
Pontus Jansson wants to take the "positive memories" from securing a World Cup spot with Sweden and instil them into a struggling Leeds side ahead of Sunday's clash at Middlesbrough, live on Sky Sports Football.
The defender was an unused substitute as Sweden upset Italy over two legs, with the 1-0 aggregate victory sealing their place in Russia next year.
Ahead of Leeds' Sky Bet Championship match at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday, Jansson reflected on a "crazy" second leg in Italy.
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"What a memory for the rest of my life. When we drew Italy, we knew it would be tough, but from the first day we met in Stockholm, we had a feeling we could do it," Jansson said.
"People thought it was tough to start at home, but it was good, we got a clean sheet and came to Italy with a good feeling.
"The game at the San Siro was the longest 90 minutes I've ever felt in my life. I was sweating and screaming from the first minute. I was crazy.
"But when the game was over, it was the best feeling I've felt in football. I was screaming, running to my friends and the Swedish fans. It was a crazy memory."
Jansson is looking to take that momentum from Sweden's unexpected qualification and transfer it to a Leeds side who have lost seven of their last nine league games.
That run has seen Leeds slip out of the play-off spots, and Jansson says he has taken responsibility for their dip in form.
"We know we are in a tough moment. When we were on a good run, I said there would be tough moments, and when there are, we have to be strong," Jansson added.
"Now maybe time has caught up with us, but we have to keep on going. I have come from positive memories with the national team so I will try and take this into the team. Sunday is going to be a fantastic game.
"I take a big responsibility for this bad run. When we played well, I got a lot of credit, so now when it's bad I want to take responsibility for that. I haven't played as good as I have wanted to.
"But I have trained hard and I will do everything to take my team back to where we belong."
Don't miss the Sky Bet Championship clash between Leeds and Middlesbrough on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 1pm
