Leeds United's reported stance on Daniel Farke future ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool
Leeds United host two of the Premier League’s top clubs this week having lost their last four.
Daniel Farke could lose his Leeds United job if this week brings two more Premier League defeats, according to reports.
The Guardian reports a decision could be made to part ways with the German if home games against Chelsea and Liverpool both end in defeat. Leeds have lost their last four and sit 18th in the Premier League, behind West Ham on goals scored, and according to the report some senior figures ‘expect’ the manager to be sacked if that four-game losing run extends to six.
Pressure has grown on Farke amid the poor run of results, with Leeds taking three points from the last 21 on offer. Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Manchester City came despite a spirited second-half performance and much-improved direct style of play, which came about after the manager made two half-time substitutions and altered the formation.
But it ended in defeat nonetheless and the Guardian now claim Farke’s future hangs in the balance ahead of two difficult home games. Midweek opponents Chelsea are third in the Premier League while reigning champions Liverpool ended a three-game losing streak by winning 2-0 at West Ham on Sunday.
The Guardian report claims Leeds will have money to spend in January and should 49ers Enterprises decide to part company with Farke, they want a new manager in place with ample time to have an input on potential transfers. The mid-season window opens in one month.
Fan frustration had been growing and almost reached boiling point during last month’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa in which Leeds threw away a one-goal lead. Elland Road demanded Farke ‘make a sub’ around the hour-mark and during his customary post-match lap of the pitch, some sections of the Kop were heard chanting ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.
What has Daniel Farke said on his Leeds United future?
Following Saturday’s defeat at City in which Leeds fought back from 2-0 down to draw level at 2-2 before conceding in added-time, the response from travelling fans was largely positive. Farke insisted after the defeat at Villa he was not concerned with his own job security and instead focused on turning things around.
"We don't have to speak about this topic," he said. "I don't think one second about it. It's not something I'm worried about. This is probably the most passionate club in Western Europe. We've played the best season in the history of the club last season, winning the title, the second promotion in the last 25 years and each and every day there was still criticism and questions on style of play.
“This is what you get when you work for Leeds United. If I would dwell in a tough run of results I wouldn't be the right manager for Leeds United. I have to lead this group and make sure they don't lose confidence and bravery.”
Farke’s pre-Chelsea press conference has been scheduled to take place on Tuesday afternoon. The Whites boss is expected to provide injury updates on a number of players including Dan James, who picked up a hamstring injury at City and was taken off at half-time.