Leeds United have played three Premier League games under Daniel Farke so far, but the 49ers were considering his position not long ago.
The 49ers are said to have considered sacking Daniel Farke at the back end of the 2024/25 campaign in the Championship, with Leeds United winning the title and securing 100 points in the process.
It was then claimed that the 49ers had chosen to keep Farke for the 2025/26 season. That said, Farke’s side are yet to score a goal in open play in the Premier League and they will need to prove their worth over the next run of more favourable fixtures.
They have kept two clean sheets from two home fixtures thus far. That aspect is what is more likely to keep them in the English top flight. However, the talk surrounding Farke last season implies that he may not be given ample time with itchy fingers among the hierarchy potentially.
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The 49ers have contingency plans for Daniel Farke replacements
Nothing is imminent at all, but the reports that the 49ers could replace Farke were strong at one stage. Reports surfaced suggesting Leeds could end up sacking Farke due to his record in the Premier League when he was manager of rivals Norwich City.
It’s not likely to come any time soon, unless something goes seriously wrong in the upcoming run of games. Sacking Farke would mean a year’s salary as compensation, which is another consideration.
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He has remained despite Farke looking despondent after Leeds’ title win. His assurances were swiftly given, though, as Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe heaped praise on Farke in his promotion statement after Leeds’ place in the top tier was confirmed.
Farke then responded to the sack claims and he was backed this summer. However, The Athletic have since detailed the 49ers’ contingency plans for the German, especially with the average longevity of Premier League managers in mind.
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Matt Slater explained Leeds’ financial situation: “If we tackle the ‘base case’ first, Leeds earned £141 million in the Championship last season and are forecast to make £262m this season, rising to £271m next season and £273m in 2027-28, but only if they stay up.
“The club’s costs last season were £174 million, which should rise to £214m this season, £200m next season and £215m the season after — that’s pretty disciplined.
“The low case projections are based on a 17th-place finish this season, the fact that struggling teams rotate coaches more often, including ‘one or more managerial changes per year’, and the IFR costing £10 million.”
He added what this might mean for Farke and their view of the tenure of a Premier League, stating: “They also estimate that the new Independent Football Regulator will cost Leeds £5 million.
“There is also a reference to the fact that the average Premier League manager’s tenure is 18 months — and therefore ‘contingencies are in place for periodic new hires’.”
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Leeds fans have already called for Nuno Espirito Santo
That last line is the most interesting part, with the 49ers already able to move quickly if they have plans in place for Farke’s replacement. Interestingly, some, like Troy Deeney, believed Farke would be the first Premier League sacking.
Eddie Gray was baffled Farke could be sacked. Meanwhile, others, like Michael Brown, have reservations over Farke as a Premier League manager in the long-term. Paul Merson would replace Farke with Carlo Ancelotti.
It wasn’t Farke but many Leeds fans are eyeing Nuno Espirito Santo after his sacking at Nottingham Forest. You have to imagine that he is a consideration for the Leeds hierarchy should things go south with the German manager.
Leeds don’t want to be in a position of weakness for the day that it comes to move on, and having options in mind is sensible, even if it’s not what Farke wants to hear about with them working on his potential successor in any kind of capacity.