Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is under pressure very early in the season. He didn’t get the forwards he wanted in the summer, but the lack of goals at the start of the campaign has led to some fans blaming his approach in the Premier League.
The Whites were seconds away from earning a valuable point at Fulham on Saturday until Gabriel Gudmundsson scored a comical own goal in injury time to hand the home all three points at Craven Cottage.
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Leeds struggled to create chances at the other end, but until Fulham’s new boy Kevin came on late in the game, even the Cottagers were denied from creating any genuine opportunities to score by a resolute Leeds defence.
However, the mistake at the end cost them the points, and questions are now being asked whether this defensive style of play is sustainable given Leeds are not creating the chances needed to take advantage, even if they are staying in games until the end.
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Former Leeds star backs Daniel Farke to get more time
Farke’s record in the Premier League means that patience will be in short supply for some of the Leeds fans, who are desperate to avoid relegation back to the Championship.
The availability of Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho has increased the pressure on the German coach, and some Leeds fans are already calling for his dismissal.
In BBC Radio Leeds’ call-in show after the Fulham defeat, a Leeds fan questioned his approach and urged the club to look at Nuno or Mourinho to replace Farke.
However, former Leeds star Aidy White stressed that the Leeds manager deserves more time and stressed that the Whites have not made a terrible start to the season despite the loss at Fulham.
“You’ve got to give him it. I don’t think you can sack him now”, White said on BBC Radio Leeds.
“I understand your comment [fan’s opinion] on Nuno and Jose. They are maybe available. But I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a bad start to the season.”
The pressure is on Farke
Farke has every right to feel aggrieved that his future is at stake despite the hierarchy failing to provide him with the required attacking resources in the summer.
However, the 49ers have major plans for Leeds, and most of it depends on keeping the club in the Premier League. Any threat to that and Farke could lose his job.
Leeds reporter Graham Smyth has already claimed that the manager is on a much shorter leash this season because of his poor record in the top flight.
The availability of Nuno and Mourinho has further complicated the situation for Farke. Leeds have more proven replacements in the market if they feel the German coach is not up to the task of keeping the club in the Premier League.
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