Daniel Farke has exceeded expectations by guiding Leeds United to Premier League survival in their first season back in the top flight.
Leeds were tipped by many to struggle at the start of the campaign, especially given the poor record of promoted clubs in recent Premier League seasons.
Farke’s own struggles in the top flight during previous jobs also added to the doubts surrounding Leeds before the season began. However, the Whites secured survival with matches still to play and could now even have a say in deciding who gets relegated on the final day.
The Leeds boss also made his ambitions clear last week, stressing that if the club are only looking to stand still, then he is not the right person to lead the team forward.
Daniel Farke gets hammered for ‘unnecessary statements’
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes that if Daniel Farke wanted to have an honest discussion, he should have done so privately with the Leeds owners rather than making those comments in public.
The Leeds manager is now facing more criticism for making those comments publicly, with former Everton CEO Keith Wyness also arguing that there was no need for him to voice those views in public.
He is expecting the Leeds owners to back the German in the market to turn into a team that could push for European qualification; his statements to the press were ‘unnecessary’.
Keith Wyness told Football Insider: “I don’t think there was actually any need for Farke to come out and say that.
“I think that was a given anyway. He’s in a position of strength. I don’t think there’s any need to amplify it. He will get what he is asking for, provided it all makes sense, of course. Leeds are in a good position again to consolidate for next season.
“I don’t expect them to be in the relegation battle. I do expect them to be mid-table, pushing for potential European qualification. So all in all, Daniel Farke has done a great job. So let’s just watch them and let’s just see the backing he gets.
“But, as I say, it was a bit unnecessary for him to have called for that and made the statements he’s made because he’ll get that backing anyway.”
He knows the 49ers cannot lose him now
While some Leeds fans still had concerns about Daniel Farke last year, he has completely transformed opinions this season by leading the club to Premier League safety.
The German coach managed to revive Leeds during a difficult run in October and November, tweaking the system and finding a setup that brought the best out of the squad.
Since then, Leeds have turned into one of the toughest teams to beat in the division, losing just four of their last 24 Premier League games.
If Farke were to walk away from Elland Road this summer, it would be a major blow for the 49ers both from a football perspective and in the eyes of the supporters.
The club’s owners now need to match the ambition their manager has shown, persuade him to stay for the long term and back him properly in the transfer market so Leeds can continue building next season.
