Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is reportedly under pressure following the Whites’ defeat at home to Burnley last weekend, with journalist Graham Smyth providing an update on the German’s future at Elland Road.
Luca Koleosho’s spectacular solo goal in the 18th minute was enough for the Clarets to defeat Leeds, in a disappointing outcome for the Yorkshire club in front of their own fans. The result left Farke’s side eighth in the Championship after five games, five points behind first-placed West Bromwich Albion.
With the pressure on Farke to accomplish promotion this season, sources suggest that the club’s 49ers ownership is looking for a ‘elite manager’ to replace the former Norwich City manager. However, Smyth has downplayed such reports, stating that he does not expect the club’s hierarchy would contemplate their manager’s future anytime soon.
Smyth: The 49ers are not considering Farke’s position.
Leeds will need to narrow the gap with the top two.
Following their relegation from the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, Leeds appointed Farke, a promotion-winning manager, to help the West Yorkshire club return to the top level quickly. After narrowly losing the play-off final to Southampton in May, the 47-year-old coach was given another chance to succeed this time.
His club had begun well, with eight points from their first four games, but a dismal defeat to Burnley at home on Saturday has sparked speculation about his future in the north of England. Tomorrow’s game against bottom-of-the-table Cardiff City is a must-win for the Whites; else, the pitchforks may come out.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast, Leeds specialist Smyth refuted allegations that Farke’s position is under threat:
What happens if they drop two or three in a row? Do you know? What if they draw one, lose one, and then draw one? What is the environment going to be like around the team at that point?
“So I believe there is some concern there, but I don’t think it’s hysteria, and I don’t think the 49ers would evaluate his situation. I’ve read suggestions that if they lose to Cardiff, he should leave.
“I think I would encourage people to look at what Farke has done in this league, both for Norwich and Leeds last season, and ask themselves whether there is a more appropriate appointment than Farke. I mean, when he was appointed, was anyone saying, ‘No, no, he’s not the one? There’s a better option out there. “I don’t believe anyone was.”
Leeds could be without Solomon for the Cardiff trip.
The winger has a back condition.
Leeds United have already suffered a setback in what is building up to be a potentially crucial game in terms of setting the vibe around the club. Farke has confirmed that loanee Manor Solomon has suffered a back ailment before of the trip to South Wales, raising doubts over his availability for the match.
Solomon, who is on loan from Tottenham, has started Leeds’ last two Championship games but has failed to score a goal. Largie Ramazani, a fellow new signing, would most likely replace the Israelis against the Bluebirds.
