Leeds United chief happy to shoulder the pressure

United lead the way on goal difference at the top of the division ahead of Wolves and Cardiff City, with Christiansen’s side visiting the Bluebirds for an intriguing fixture tomorrow evening.

The game against Cardiff, managed by former Leeds chief Neil Warnock, is the second instalment of a pivotal triple-header ahead of the next international break, with United visiting Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

Both away games will be screened live on TV, Leeds having warmed up for those appointments with a tense 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

The win has taken United onto 20 points, a tally that they did not reach until October 22 last season and while the expectation levels are growing by the week, head coach Christiansen is embracing the pressure.

On handling it, Christiansen, who revealed that Pontus Jansson was fit for Saturday’s game, but was left out of his squad, said: “It depends. There are ones who like to have the pressure and ones who do not. In my case, I like it and I enjoy it.

“If the pressure is because we are up there, I like that instead of the pressure where you are forced to win not to get relegated.

“All the games have pressure, but, of course, the home game was important to go to Cardiff in the best condition. The confidence is also important and the three points, but it will be a different game, another tough game against a strong and physical team.”