Pontus Jansson has pinpointed the key difference between Brentford's style and Leeds United's, with the former Whites centre-back saying Marcelo Bielsa's side are more rigid in their approach compared to his current team.
The Swede, who left Elland Road last summer, will lead Brentford into Tuesday evening's Championship play-off final against Fulham with his "dream scenario" a reality and fuelled by last season's play-off disappointment against Derby County.
Several weeks back Jansson told football.london that the ideal conclusion to the campaign would see both Leeds and Brentford go up, but with the West Yorkshire side finishing top of the table it is in his own hands at Wembley to seal the final part.
"There are similarities with how we play and Leeds play," Jansson said. "Leeds have had two seasons with Marcelo and he has his own plan, he doesn't change anything. They are very strict in how they work.
"We are a little bit more like we can adapt to opponents. We can play all type of games, physical games, back off and do counter-attacks and we can have games where we have 65 to 70 per cent possession.
"We can adapt more. Leeds have their way and they can do it really good and are the best in the league because they won. There are similarities in how we play with Leeds."
United's crushing play-off semi-final loss to Derby last May is still fuelling Jansson too and serves to explain why he was so relieved after Brentford's win at home to Swansea City on Wednesday night, disappearing down the tunnel alone to gather his thoughts for a couple of minutes.
That was also partially because he made a terrible mistake to allow Swansea's Rhian Brewster to score, making the tie 3-2 on aggregate and ensuring a nervy conclusion.
"It means everything," he said. "If worst-case scenario we lose, it’s probably going to be quite tough to look forward to playing another 46 games, but that’s just what it is. We have to give everything we have and a little bit more to win the game.
"For me personally this is what I've been fighting for since I lost the play-off semi-final with Leeds, which is why I was so emotional we won the game [Wednesday]. I've been waiting one year, so this is why it means everything to me."
As for the mistake against Swansea, Jansson added: "It was a lot of emotions in the game, especially after I did my mistake. There were so many things going through my head. Especially as a captain. When you make a mistake you have to bounce it off and go out and lead by example again.
"When I lead I want to do it by example and it is always tough to make a mistake and then scream again and lead others. I did it quite well, but after the game I was so annoyed and irritated with myself.
"I just needed two or three minutes and after that I was happy and ready for the final."
