Daniel Farke 'admired' for defiant approach amid Leeds United job speculation
Daniel Farke should be 'admired' for his defiant approach amid doubts over his Leeds United job, according to one analyst.
Daniel Farke ‘has to be admired’ for keeping his cool amid increasing speculation regarding his job security.
That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Peter Stevenson, who was present at Thorp Arch for Farke’s pre-Manchester City press conference on Thursday.
The Whites are in a wretched run of five defeats from their last six - the only solace coming in a 2-1 win over West Ham in late October - that’s seen them slip down to 18th in the Premier League table with the division’s second-worst goal difference (-11).
To make matters worse, Leeds now face a nightmare run of City away, and Chelsea and Liverpool at home - the outcome of which could go a long way toward deciding Farke’s future at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke ‘admired’ for defiant approach
Farke cut a defiant figure in front of the press on Thursday, looking ahead to the January transfer window and insisting he remains focused on his players rather than his own employment prospects.
It’s this headstrong approach that deserves acclaim according to Stevenson, though he still thinks Farke’s position at Leeds could become untenable.
“You just have to admire Daniel Farke. As the noise around the Leeds boss intensifies almost by the day, he stays calm, confident and convinced that he will succeed this season,” Stevenson wrote from Thorp Arch.
“He admits he'd be perfectly happy with 17th place, but Leeds' chances of survival now face a testing treble examination. Man City, Chelsea and admittedly struggling champions Liverpool, are next up.
“Farke's cause won't be helped by the absence of midfielders Stach and Longstaff. But he insists his players are in great shape physically and mentally.
“They've been in special sessions and discussion this week about to stop Haaland.
“But with just 11 goals from their 12 games, Farke knows full well that he needs more clinical finishing and defending to silence the growing number of doubters.
“He stresses that Leeds' tactical blueprint remains in place, despite five defeats in six games.
“Towards the end of a 40 minute news conference, Farke did hint that maybe Leeds would have to bring in presumably more attacking options in January.
“That's assuming he's still in a job by then. Three poor results and performances in the coming days will without doubt see the noise level go up a few more levels.”
What did Daniel Farke say about Leeds United’s job pressures?
For his own part, Farke remained insistent during his Thursday press conference that he and the squad remain together, and that he’s ‘convinced’ Leeds will get through this tough period.
“I see what the lads are doing, when I judge objective data it gives me confidence we have enough to succeed,” he said. “We will go through more tough periods but I’m convinced we will succeed.
“I don’t have to hide. [I am] aware what happens for such a passionate club. If you can’t handle it, don’t become manager or a player for Leeds United.
“We want to establish the club at the top level, I didn't expect it would be easy. [We are] top two in terms of physical output, distance, high speed distance, sprints. It means we’re there with fitness and mentality. I see how tight they are together in the dressing room, how united.”
Your next Leeds United read: Man City v Leeds injury news as fresh blows leave 3 out and 2 doubts