Gabby Agbonlahor has previewed Sunday’s Championship play-off final between Leeds United and Southampton, hinting that if Leeds lose, Daniel Farke may be fired.
Leeds and Southampton face off in what has been dubbed football’s most costly game, with the Premier League trophy on the line. Whoever wins will immediately return to the top flight following relegation.
Leeds have regained momentum ahead of their trip to Wembley, which promises to be a competitive contest. Prior to the play-offs, Leeds had four defeats in six games, two consecutive losses, and one clean sheet in eight.
However, a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road against Norwich reminded the Leeds players of their defensive capabilities, and the 4-0 victory against Norwich reconnected players and supporters at Elland Road.
Leeds will play in the final for a place in the Premier League. Gabby Agbonlahor was asked about the game, and he indicated it was 50-50 going in, and whomever showed up on the day would win.
Gabby Agbonlahor fears about Daniel Farke if Leeds lose the final.
One casualty of the play-offs has already been Norwich City’s David Wagner, who was fired after the defeat to Leeds, while West Brom appear to be sticking with Carlos Corberan following their loss to Southampton.
Agbonlahor told TalkSPORT (Thursday, 6.50AM) that whomever loses the final could face dismissal due to the pressure on both Southampton and Leeds to earn promotion at the first try.
“It’s a 50-50 for me, whoever turns up on the day,” Agbonlahor said ahead of Sunday’s match. “David Wagner was fired, and I wouldn’t be surprised if whomever loses on Sunday had their manager fired.
“It is ruthless.” Leeds have more pace up front with Summerville and Gnonto. Southampton play excellent aggressive football, therefore it will undoubtedly be a fascinating game,” said the vocal analyst on Thursday.
Danny Mills and Lee Sharpe discuss Farke’s Leeds future.
Given the strain on both clubs and their managers ahead of Sunday’s final, there has been discussion of a possible firing on social media. Leeds and Southampton are Premier League clubs.
Danny Mills recently stated that it would be “ridiculous” for the 49ers to fire Farke if Leeds loses on Sunday. Lee Sharpe agreed, saying he should be given an opportunity to establish something at Leeds.
Indeed, Farke has stated that if you had asked him in September whether Leeds could get promoted in his first season, he would have replied no. But now he has an opportunity to bring The Whites back up.