Leeds United manager Daniel Farke’s job security is under real threat at the moment. A run of six defeats in seven has damaged his reputation, and the 49ers are looking at potential new managers.
The second-half performance in the 3-2 defeat at the Etihad on Saturday may have brought in some time. However, it won’t be enough if Leeds don’t get a result this week.
An in-form Chelsea side will be huge favourites to beat Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday night, despite the historic rivalry that exists between the two clubs.
A defeat at home against Chelsea could bring the curtains down on Farke’s time at Leeds, and the club seem to have identified a top target in Gary O’Neil to replace him in the dugout.
Leeds United are likely to sack Daniel Farke ‘soon’
Farke is increasingly looking like a man who is fighting a losing battle. Leeds’ form and his own Premier League record mean that patience is running thin on the ground.
A large section of the Leeds fans have turned on him, and there is a real feeling on the ground as the club are only moving towards relegation under the current manager.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown insisted that the team have not lost faith in the German and they are still fighting for their manager on the pitch.
However, they are not getting the results, and Leeds are only going to get in deeper trouble in the survival race if they don’t start scoring points again.
He believes the Leeds owners are under pressure to make a change, and he expects Farke to go sooner rather than later.
“The performances aren’t those of a team who have lost fight and belief, but if you can’t see out results, you’re always going to be in trouble”, Brown said on Football Insider.
“They’ve got some tough games coming up, and it doesn’t look at the moment like things are going to improve, so Leeds are in trouble.
“They’re going to have to make a decision soon. Something has got to change, and unfortunately, that might have to be the manager.”
Fresh blows will further sink Farke at Leeds
Leeds were missing their first-choice midfield against Manchester City. Sean Longstaff is recovering from a calf injury, and Anton Stach was out due to a concussion.
The German midfielder is expected to return against Chelsea. However, Longstaff will be out for longer and is unlikely to be back before the end of the year.
However, the injury worries deepened on Saturday after Daniel James picked up a hamstring injury, and he is not expected to return to the team until January.
| Player | Injury |
|---|---|
| Dan James | Hamstring |
| Anton Stach | Concussion |
| Sean Longstaff | Calf |
| Sebastiaan Bornauw | Calf (questionable) |
With two of his top players now out for weeks, the problems for Farke are compounding, and if Brenden Aaronson replaces James in the team, the fans are almost certain to turn on him vocally.
The Leeds manager’s luck has ditched him at a huge point of the season, and all signs are now pointing towards his inevitable exit in the next week or so.
