Speaking back in 2024, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke spoke about the Premier League and his vision for Leeds in it.
After two attempts, Daniel Farke steered Leeds United to promotion from the Championship. So far though, his side have struggled in the Premier League and the next few weeks and months look set to be very testing.
Last year, Leeds United lost the Championship play-off final to Southampton but went on to win the Championship title last time round. And Leeds United won their opening game of the 2025/26 season against Everton, but Farke has been left short after the summer transfer window closed.
Leeds United wanted to sign new attackers on deadline day but couldn’t pull off any late signings. Now, fans are fearing the worst as Leeds’ goal-scoring woes continue, with the club yet to score from open play in the league this season.
Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Daniel Farke on Leeds United struggling in the Premier League
During the 2023/24 play-offs, Leeds United faced off against Farke’s old club Norwich City in the semi-finals, drawing the first leg at Carrow Road before thrashing the Canaries 4-0 at Elland Road.
Before the play-offs, Farke spoke to The Times. With Norwich he secured two promotions from the Championship but could never keep the club in the Premier League for more than one season, and Farke said he doesn’t want the same thing to happen with Leeds United.
He said: “For me, it’s important we bring this club back into the Premier League in a position where we can create sustainability so that we have then also a squad, and a training ground, and also financial stability, that we can build something.
“I don’t want to get promotion and survive perhaps for one year with a bit of luck, and an exciting year, and then we are suffering the next ten years back in the Championship. I want to create something here at this club.”
Daniel Farke’s career Games Wins Draws Losses PPG
Championship 230 127 60 43 1.92
Premier League 53 7 9 37 0.57
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Leeds United’s five-year plan may not involve Daniel Farke
If Leeds eventually go down this season then the finger will be pointed at the 49ers. This summer, it was reported that Leeds United were considering sacking Farke, owing to his poor track record in the Premier League, but they’ve stuck to their guns.
It’s a decision that may well come back to haunt them: whilst Farke doesn’t have the tools within the squad to really stabilise in the Championship, some of his tactics and decisions during games continue to baffle.
Leeds fans questioned Farke’s decision against Fulham to bring off Noah Okafor and replace him with Jack Harrison, whilst Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto were on the bench.
Going into this summer, it was reported that the Leeds United owners want to be competing for Europe in the next five years. But relegation and promotion will of course scupper that plan.
For Leeds United, a quick decision on Farke’s future might have to be made in the coming weeks if results and performances don’t improve, or their five-year plan will shatter.