Whites defender Kyle Bartley is of the opinion assistant boss Pep Clotet is wholly deserving of praise and credit for Leeds United's improved defending in recent matches.

Leeds, who are presently placed 15th in the Championship table, looked vulnerable and erratic in defence at the start of the season, particularly when tasked with negotiating set-plays.

But following the release of Sol Bamba, Bartley has forged an impressive partnership with on-loan Swede Pontus Jansson at the heart of the United defence in recent matches.

When asked about what he made of United's newfound defensive competence and what he felt the root of it was, former Arsenal prodigy Bartley, who is on loan at Elland Road from Swansea, told BBC Radio Leeds: "You'd have to give the credit to Pep. He had a look and then changed our set-up slightly."

The rapid rise of 25-year-old loanee Jansson has also contributed significantly toward United's improved solidity at the back.

Bartley explained: "We have Pontus as a spare man who isn't picking up anyone and whose job it is to go and attack the ball, which he has done very well.

"It's made us look a lot more solid. We're going out there now thinking we're going to win, not just hoping."

Leeds go into tomorrow's home clash against Mick McCarthy's Ipswich Town boasting an impressive recent defensive record; having kept clean sheets in their last two games and having conceded just two goals in their last four matches - and just one in their last four away games.

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