Leeds United look all but guaranteed to feature in next season’s Premier League after a commanding 3–1 victory over Burnley at Elland Road on Friday night.
Anton Stach put Leeds ahead in the first half with a stunning 25-yard effort, setting the tone for a crucial win in their fight for top-flight survival.
In the second half, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin added further goals to secure all three points, making Burnley’s late consolation strike little more than a footnote.
Jamie Redknapp has reserved special praise for Leeds manager Daniel Farke after his side more or less made it certain that they are not going down this season.
Daniel Farke used as an example of patience and perseverance
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Daniel Farke deserves huge credit for riding out the storm earlier in the season and finding a way to make the team work.
He also feels that the 49ers should be praised for sticking with Farke when it would have been a lot easier for them to sack him and bring someone else.
The ex-midfielder feels Farke can now be used as an example of what can happen when a manager earns patience and forms a connection with the fans.
Redknapp said on Sky Sports: “Full credit to Farke.
“He took a lot of stick earlier in the season. They bought in good players, but the fact that Leeds stuck with him and it is a good example of patience. Not making any rash decisions.
“You can see the togetherness between the crowd and the players. When you get that connection, it gives you a real chance.”
The Leeds manager can now enjoy the last three games
Farke has been under immense pressure all season at Leeds because of his poor record in the Premier League with Norwich City.
However, he has proved everyone wrong by putting Leeds in a position where they are unlikely to go down with three games left in the campaign.
The Whites are not mathematically out of it, but are nine points clear of the relegation zone in 14th. It would take an unlikely set of results for Leeds to get relegated.
Farke can now eventually enjoy and have some fun in the last three games of the season and show a different side of his management in the next few weeks.
It won’t be a surprise if Leeds finish with some flair and flourish under a manager often accused of being dogged in his beliefs.
