Leeds United manager Daniel Farke looking at former Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo
Credit: Imago
Niall Togher
Thu 11 September 2025 10:50, UK
Daniel Farke must continue to prove to the 49ers that he is the right man for the Leeds United job, with the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho out of work.
Alex Crook implied that Mourinho could end up at Leeds, with the reservations surrounding Farke’s ability to manage in the Premier League.
Despite the German manager guiding Leeds to the Championship title and a tally of 100 points, there were rumours that Farke could be sacked by the 49ers.
Although this sacking did not come to fruition, Farke will be aware that there is a growing line of suitors waiting to take his job if Leeds begin to struggle this season.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke looking confused
Credit: Imago
Nuno Espirito Santo previously full of praise for Leeds
There were calls for the 49ers to appoint Nuno following the news of his sacking as Nottingham Forest manager after a fallout with the owner, Evangelos Marinakis.
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Nuno did an exceptional job as Forest boss, steering them clear of relegation when he arrived in December 2023, before guiding the Reds to a seventh place finish, helping them qualify for Europe in the process.
The 51-year-old was previously linked with the managerial vacancy at Elland Road, with Nuno being interviewed for the job at Leeds following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, according to reports from The Times back in 2023.
When Nuno was Wolves manager, he called Leeds an “amazing team” after Wolves managed a 1-0 win against them in October 2020.
He was also complimentary of Marcelo Bielsa and his ideas, with his previous comments putting him in the supporters’ good graces, should Nuno ever become United’s manager.
Nuno Esprito Santo shouting instructions from the touchline.
Credit: Imago
What has Daniel Farke said about Leeds sack talk?
Farke was acutely aware of the rumours that were circulating about his position as Leeds boss back in late April.
He was relatively calm regarding the situation, telling a press conference that he did not feel disrespected by claims that he could lose his job despite what he had achieved in West Yorkshire.
“Not at all, it’s not surprising,” Farke said.
“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.
Farke continued: “Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.
“On a weekly basis, someone is linked. It’s nothing new.”
Now it is up to Farke to prove to the 49ers why they made the correct decision in standing by their man.
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