It has been a whirlwind of a week for Leeds United, but even more so, Daniel Farke. Having entered the week under huge pressure and reports that the sack was coming, he’s completely changed opinion.
The second half against Man City gave Leeds fans hope. A new formation, conjured up by Farke, proved to be perfect for this Leeds side. The 3-5-2 system almost saw Leeds produce a comeback against City.
The pressure is mounting on Daniel Farke… should Leeds United sack him?⌛
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Using it from the off against Chelsea, Leeds bullied Enzo Maresca’s side and won 3-1. On Saturday, Farke showed more tactical nous as he realised the system wasn’t working, and made another formation switch.
It was instrumental to Leeds managing another comeback and the Whites securing a point against the Reds. Four points and eight goals scored against Man City, Chelsea, and Liverpool over the last week.
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After the 3-2 loss at City, a report from The Guardian said Farke had to get a result against Chelsea or Liverpool to save his job. Well, he did that and then some, picking up four points from a possible six.
This group of players are fighting for Farke and it has guided the Whites to 16th in the Premier League. Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Gary Neville urged the 49ers to rip up plans of sacking Farke.
“I don’t know how much attention we can pay to the rumours of the manager being close to the edge. That will have pulled him right back. If you’re in the boardroom, you’re thinking okay, let’s just hang back.
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“If you had plans, you maybe have to cancel them. That might not be the case, but there was a lot of noise and a lot of rumours. Well done to Daniel Farke, because he’s played a big part in it,” he said.
Daniel Farke relieved after Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool results 🎂🍺☕
Coffee and cake for the Leeds gaffer!
“To be honest, I’m happy that this weekend is over and I can have some coffee and cake on the sofa. Maybe even a beer, or a pint.”
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Daniel Farke is out of the woods, but the pressure remains
Farke has salvaged a dismal position. Leeds had 11 points from 13 games, and given the quality of the opponents, two defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool would have seen Leeds cement a bottom-three slot.
But four points from those two matches sees Leeds remain at a point a game and climb into 16th place, thanks to Nottingham Forest’s hammering at Everton. Now, Farke and Leeds have a new issue to fix.
Having restored confidence, installed a new formation, and given fans plenty of encouragement, Leeds now have to sort out their away form, especially with a trip to London up next, as Leeds go to Brentford.
Only Wolves have a worse away record in the Premier League, scoring just six goals in seven games and earning only three points. Six defeats along the way. That needs to change if Leeds are to stay up.
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