How Daniel Farke’s Surprise Record vs Manchester City Could Stave Off Leeds Sack

Daniel Farke will know by now just how precarious his position is as manager of Leeds United.

The German guided the Elland Road outfit to the Premier League last season with what was a remarkable end to the EFL Championship where both Leeds and Burnley finished up on 100 points. It was an exciting season which had supporters dreaming about how well their side would fare in the top flight.

At the time of writing, however, things have gone from bad to worse for the Whites so far this term and the club are sitting 18th in the division and in the relegation zone following poor result after poor result. The quality of performance from Farke’s men has also been criticised, at times, and has the coach on a shoogly peg.

Some believe Farke’s Leeds position as manager is untenable and there have been sack calls coming from sections of the support who have seemingly had enough. But the boss remains in situ with at least one more opportunity to save his job.

You would think that another defeat – depending on scoreline and showing – would signal curtains for the 49-year-old and there will be other managers circling the Leeds job should the boardroom decide to act. However, it could be considered a tad harsh if Farke is binned this weekend knowing who their opponents is. Leeds square off against Manchester City at the Etihad and it could certainly be an easier fixture for the visitors on what could be a massive day for their gaffer.

That being said, there are some factors to consider that might work in Farke’s favour. So we at FootballBlog delved into these elements so you don’t have to…

Farke’s managerial record vs Man City

In what is perhaps a surprising head to head, the Leeds boss has stood up well enough against the Citizens over the years. That is not to say he has a perfect record, there are not many bosses who do. But throughout years of City’s dominance and Farke’s struggles with both Leeds and previously Norwich City, his run is not too bad.

From just three matches against Pep Guardiola’s men, Farke has an average of one point per match having won once and lost twice.

Granted that may seem still like a point against the man but, all things considered, it’s a decent hit. Two 5-0 defeats to the club were obviously far from ideal in those matches back in 2020 and 2021. But a 3-2 victory before that in 2019 came at Carrow Road when Farke and Norwich ended City’s incredible 18 game unbeaten run.

That was an afternoon when his side were ravaged by injury and Farke claimed he could not “park the bus” because he did not have enough fit defenders. But the intensity with which his side played that day earned them the points and he will be desperate for his struggling Leeds lads to do the same.

Man City struggles

Guardiola’s City have fallen off their bike in recent weeks with some poor results seeing them fall down the Premier League table ever so slightly. They have relied heavily on Erling Haaland which has cost them when the big Norwegian has needed a rest and they are now third in the division and seven points back from league leaders Arsenal who are flourishing.

Even Chelsea have overtaken the Sky Blues who lost their most recent league clash against Newcastle United thanks to a double from Scotland World Cup option Harvey Barnes. City have actually been defeated four times in the EPL this season already which will at the very least give Leeds something to work for.

Defeat in the Champions League has also come recently – at home, too – against Bayer Leverkusen and Farke will have taken notes.