Do Daniel Farke’s Leeds Critics Have a Point? And the Managers Who Might Replace Him

Daniel Farke is under some serious pressure as Leeds United boss.

The 49-year-old is facing scrutiny this term so far with the Whites toiling in the Premier League just 11 matches into the new season.

It follows their promotion from the EFL Championship this year having won the title with a whopping 100 points at the end of last term.

Farke’s troops pipped rivals Burnley to the post on goal difference and were expected to compete in a stronger manner in their first top flight season for two years.

However, as yet, it has not gone to plan for the German who has heard the boos from his own support as well as the constant pundit noise on his future after seemingly every fixture these days.

Other EPL managers have already been sacked this term and that has highlighted struggling bosses like Farke in their jobs.

Daniel Farke under pressure at Leeds United

But Leeds have had some seriously difficult fixtures so far this season including an away clash with Arsenal early on when momentum was building.

That day they were hammered 5-0 and have struggled at times to shut that result away.

They have also taken on Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton away so far but have bigger matches to come in the next few weeks.

That is only likely to add to fans’ nerves over their club’s season and thus thrust Farke further into the firing line should results continue to get away from them.

But has the campaign really been that bad? Are the critics getting their calls spot on?

FootballBlog wanted to take a closer look at Leeds so far this season under their manager to analyse where they have been going wrong.

Of course, as is often the case in football at the highest level, consistency has not been there.

Although there have been some bright sparks.

Perhaps just not quite enough yet…

Leeds Premier League form

Traditionally, newly promoted clubs to the English top flight can take some getting used to their environment.

The competitive nature of the Premier League is not for everyone and there have been some world class casualties in both management and on the playing side.

Farke, though, has worked in the league before with Norwich City while he has a squad capable of competing who are not performing as they should right now.

Leeds have played 11 matches in the league so far this term and have won just three against Everton, Wolves and West Ham.

The Toffees have started well enough so can be considered a decent scalp but Wolves are rock bottom without a win while the Hammers are already a manager down in Graham Potter who was bulleted earlier in the summer.

Leeds have drawn twice (vs Newcastle and Bournemouth) which were respectable results but their loss record has been rough.

Six defeats from 11 is not good enough and needs improvement.

The club have also scored just 10 goals which is an average of just shy of one goal per game while they’ve conceded 20 which also averages just less than two per match.

They are currently six points adrift from the top 10 which would more than likely have been their ideal ambition this year.

No cup joy for Leeds United

Leeds suffered an indignity in the Carabao Cup this season and that will certainly not have done anything to placate their raging fanbase.

Losing to lower league opposition is never good for any club or manager, but the particular result they ended with was a dreadful one.

The Whites squared off against the financially stricken Sheffield Wednesday in round two at Hillsborough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_S6u9RUcS0

The expectation was that the Premier League team would blow their foes away but what transpired was something altogether different.

After a poor 1-1 draw in normal time, the match went to penalties.

It would end in a 3-0 shootout loss with all Leeds spot-kicks missed.

They were eliminated early and need a run in the coming FA Cup to save face.

Could Leeds sack Daniel Farke?

The simple answer is yes, they could.

Farke’s side are struggling badly in the league right now and are already, as mentioned, out of one domestic cup.

They have lost four of their last five matches and fans are beginning to get impatient with their boss as well as his style of football in what is a difficult division.

According to reports, ownership group the 49ers have no plans to get rid of their manager just yet but they are always monitoring the situation as you would expect.

While there remains a one point per game average ratio, it could be worse, but results and showings have to get better.

And Sky Sports claim an “unforgiving” run of matches – starting with Aston Villa away and then Manchester City – could heap pressure on Farke and force the board’s hand.

Which manager could replace Farke at Leeds?

There are plenty of managers who will be keeping a close eye on the goings on at Elland Road.

Leeds have a squad of players who should be performing better and there are gaffers out there who could get a better tune from those available.

Farke and his recruitment staff spent big – £100million – in the summer transfer window and the demands will be that they help win the points they were brought in to win.

Brendan Rodgers resigned at Celtic and is on the lookout for a new role with Saudi clubs sniffing around the Irishman. He has been linked with Leeds in the past and could be tempted with the challenge.

Steven Gerrard turned Rangers down earlier this summer and Gerrard would surely jump at the chance to make a comeback in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick was sacked by Middlesbrough previously but he had them playing some lovely football during his time at the Riverside before things took a turn. He could potentially be given a crack at the big time.

And finally there is Ange Postecoglou who was axed by Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

The Australian could be an outsider for the role, albeit they need a defensively sound leader right now and that is not Postecoglou’s modus operandi.