As is often the case after any Leeds United loss, Daniel Farke is copping a lot of the blame and calls for his head crop up, whether we like it or not.
Such is life at the bottom end of the Premier League, one result can immediately shift the narrative in an incredibly pessimistic direction.
Losing to Burnley and playing poorly has done just that online. Individuals are being scrutinised, but Daniel Farke is taking a lot of flak for failing to beat this struggling Burnley side.
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Will the 49ers have to consider Daniel Farke’s position if Leeds United slide into the bottom three?
Eight games is still a small sample size. Eight points from that run leaves Leeds ‘on track’ for a 38-point season, which is surely survival-worthy.
The issue is that after plucky and ‘competitive’ performances prior to the break, the onus was on Leeds to build with big results after it.
Burnley away is not an easy fixture, as high-flying Sunderland found out. That being said, shipping another two and looking largely devoid of consistent creativity inevitably brings questions over the man in the dugout.
Daniel Farke must turn Leeds United’s fortunes around against West Ham, or faces serious questions. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)
Is it harsh? Maybe. But is it just a reality that, as a relegation-fighting side, damning results cast doubt over a manager? Of course.
With West Ham up next, the away side are looking for a bounce under Nuno Espirito Santo. If the Hammers enjoy a six-point week with victories against Brentford and Leeds, it lends more credence to the idea of changing managers being a worthy discussion.
Not only that, but losing to Burnley and West Ham would put a serious dent in Leeds’ hopes of finishing above three other teams this season. Given they are two that could well be down there.
49ers’ scramble for Russell Martin’s replacement at Rangers suffers a setback
Meanwhile at Ibrox, The 49ers’ other venture north of the border is going about as badly as you could imagine.
Russell Martin was an intriguing appointment, but one win in seven in the Scottish Premiership rightly got him the sack.
Russell Martin had a woeful time as Rangers manager. (REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic)
My concern stems from the 49ers’ process around the Rangers manager’s position, though. If the owners intend to set an example of how they’re going to change managers, they are failing badly.
Martin lasted 123 days at Rangers, and that was far too long, so you worry that if Farke’s got to go, the decision may come too late. Leeds’ relegation in 22/23 is often attributed to giving Jesse Marsch months too long.
Then, there’s replacing Martin. Rangers still don’t have their appointment, despite plenty of names being linked.
Steven Gerrard was touted for a return. Danny Rohl was in the frame, only to turn it down. And the latest, Kevin Muscat, is also now out of the race.
Worry for Leeds United if the 49ers have to replace Farke soon?
The 49ers’ first season at Ibrox has got badly toxic already, largely stemming from this manager debacle.
Of course, the difference between Rangers and Leeds is that while they’re owned by the same enterprise and Paraag Marathe is present for both, key footballing figures are different. Leeds have Adam Underwood (sporting director) and Robbie Evans (managing director) expected to call the shots.
That being said, should Farke’s time unfortunately come at Elland Road, United will have to avoid mirroring the mess that’s unfolding at their ‘sister club’ – doing so would mean virtually certain relegation.
As fickle as it may be, the overriding mood at Leeds will undoubtedly hinge on Friday night. A win keeps positivity up, a loss spirals an already emotional fanbase even further.
There’s been some ruthless decisions already with other Premier League managers (mainly Nottingham Forest), but you can see rationale in getting rid of managers earlier than you’d planned for.
That’s because dithering can ultimately bring devastating consequences. We found that out three years ago, and a repeat would be catastrophic.
It’s all about timing for the 49ers, whether they stick or twist. Looking on at Ibrox doesn’t fill me with huge confidence.
Read more: Harry Gray’s new contract virtually confirmed by Farke…