Leeds United will face Coventry City on Saturday at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke admiring how their opponent has stuck with manager Mark Robins through thick and thin.
Playing in England’s lower tiers can mean managers have a short shelf life, considering the many factors that could lead to a sacking. Failure to secure promotion, poor performances, and relegation are elements that can lead to a club firing their coach.
Farke is living proof as his failure to secure promotion last season for the Whites have resulted in some questioning the tactician. Moreover, Leeds’ key loss to Burnley and a scoreless draw against West Bromwich Albion, teams that are rivals for promotion aren’t ideal results.
Additionally, there are questions about his tactical game plan even when there are wins, such as the squad’s performance against Cardiff City last weekend. The squad failed to impress despite having a man advantage over one of the worst teams in the Championship so far this season.
Daniel Farke applauds Mark Robins’ longevity at Coventry City
Robins has been on the sidelines for the Sky Blues for the last eight years, which isn’t too ordinary in the lower tiers. Ahead of the clash on Saturday, Farke was asked about Robins’ long reign at Coventry.
“Not always, but when you have the right manager,” Farke told reporters at his press conference (h/t The Yorkshire Evening Post). “If the quality of the manager is not great or doesn’t fit the club, it doesn’t make sense to give him time. I’m totally convinced of the quality of Mark, because I always rate him as a top manager in this division, so much experience. More or less delivers in each and every season a top solution.
“When I judge Coventry, I think what he’s done, developed the club that always comes close to promotion to the Prem Lge. They finished either in the top six or close to the top six, always the same, has to rebuild after losing best players, but they always come pretty close to the top six. I expect them to finish in a much better position than they are.
“They lost quality players this summer, he does the same and develops the squad and rebuilds it. In terms of what he does, finds another solution, I’m full of respect and pretty sure they will be one of the competitors to finish in the top six. I’m not distracted by their start.”
