'Panicking' - Daniel Farke speaks out on Leeds United pressure ahead of Aston Villa clash

Daniel Farke has spoken out over the expectations at Leeds United as his side prepare to return to Premier League action this weekend.

The Whites have experienced mixed fortunes in the opening months of their return to the top flight after failing to build on the momentum of wins against Everton, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. A run of just one victory in their last six games have left Farke’s men sitting just one point and two places above the relegation zone as they turn their focus towards Sunday’s home game with Aston Villa.

The run-up to Christmas and the festive period itself can often define the remainder of the season for clubs at all levels - and that is why there may be some trepidation for Farke and his players as they face a tough-looking run of fixtures over the next seven weeks. Following this weekend’s with Unai Emery’s side, Leeds will face the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and the top flight’s surprise package Sunderland before the turn of the year and then face a quickfire reunion with reigning champions Liverpool on the first day of 2026.

Farke has spoken out about the pressure he has been under as his side has struggled to find for this season as their slide down the season has heightened speculation over his long-term future at Elland Road.

He told Sky Sports: “Performance wise, once you sign a contract as manager of Leeds United, you have to be ready for it [pressure]. After each and every loss, fans are asking for a sacking after the match. If you take it personally or dwell on it, then you have no chance to be successful here. So, Championship level, it was after every draw that it was ‘the manager’s not good enough’. You have to stay calm, keep going and work to your beliefs. The outcome was being back in the Premier League with the best season in the history of the club.

“Of course, I don’t expect that we again finish with 100 points and the title. Our title would be survival, something that no other newly-promoted team has managed to do in the last two years. We know it’s a long road, there will be setbacks. I totally back my players and believe in this club that we can be the first to really establish this club back in the top flight.

“It’s important when you work for such an emotional club and such a passionate fanbase. Two weeks ago, a very important home win against West Ham and everyone was already saying ‘survival is confirmed, not one team has been relegated with it [Leeds’ record after 10 games], let’s worry about Europe’. This is Leeds United. Two weeks later, two difficult away games, two tight losses and not our best performances, everybody is panicking.”

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