Phil Hay has reported on the 49ers’ current feelings towards Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and his relationship with chairman Paraag Marathe.
Farke was unable to guide Leeds into the top two in the final few games as Kieran McKenna’s team drove themselves into the Premier League, with the Whites losing four of their previous six Championship games.
Despite the wreckage that Farke inherited at the outset of the season, it was nonetheless a tremendously successful season. Players wishing to leave and others able to go on loan without the club’s permission.
Victor Orta placed a clause into some contracts that allowed players to depart on loan if relegated. Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Marc Roca, and more players left Elland Road on loan.
Farke has established an identity and shaped a group that, despite its young average age, finished within a hair of automatic promotion and now has a possibility of advancing through the play-offs.
Farke has been given transfer authority and the title of Elland Road manager rather than head coach, and Hay has now revealed what The 49ers think of him and his relationship with Marathe.
This is what Hay reported on Thursday morning.
Hay expresses what the 49ers and Marathe believe about Farke.
There may have been a few situations during the season in which Farke made the incorrect move, substitution, or tactics, but this has had no effect on his relationship with the leadership.
Indeed, Hay reports on The Athletic that Marathe and Farke have an excellent working relationship, and the 49ers are happy with Farke’s media presence and ability to avoid ugly headlines.
“All players brought into Elland Road since Farke’s hiring in July were on his recommendation or with his direct approval. He is known to have a strong relationship with Leeds’ board and chairman, Paraag Marathe.
“The 49ers have warmed not only to results under him, in the main at least, but also his public persona and knack of speaking in a way which avoids messy headlines,” Hay writes in his most recent column for the Athletic.
Jesse Marsch speaks on Leeds’ chances of winning the play-offs.
Leeds enter the play-offs in poor form, but face Farke’s former club, Norwich, whom Leeds have beaten both home and away this season, 3-2 away and 1-0 at Elland Road.
Leeds are likely to beat Norwich but then face a Southampton side who defeated Leeds twice in 2023-24, and Jesse Marsch has spoken on the play-offs.
“Oh my goodness, look at the Championship playoffs. There are several good clubs there. That’s going to be tight. “Whoever emerges will have earned it, without a doubt,” Marsch told CBS Sports Golazo.
