Daniel Farke is under pressure at Leeds United. The Elland Road gaffer has never been without criticism since he took the Leeds job in 2023, with his style of play under the microscope once again.
Farke’s aim is simple this season. The German has to keep Leeds in the Premier League and that means, he needs to average a point a game. As things stand, Leeds are doing that with 11 points from 10 games.
However, Leeds were lacklustre in a 3-0 loss to Brighton on Saturday. While a defeat was expected among the Leeds fanbase, many were disappointed with Leeds’ inability to put up a fight down at The Amex.
When Leeds win, Farke’s style of play is praised. But when Leeds lose, his pragmatic approach this season is an easy target. New signing Anton Stach has been talking to German media about life at Elland Road.
Anton Stach in action for Leeds United during a Premier League clash against Tottenham
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Anton Stach says if he is enjoying Daniel Farke’s style of play
Stach made a brilliant start at Leeds. A goal against Milan in pre-season got fans excited, and it was his shot that led to a penalty against Everton. He got a goal and an assist in the 3-1 away win over Wolves.
But Stach’s form has dipped. A broken rib and finger have hampered his form, and Stach has been axed from the starting side against West Ham and Brighton. He’s been speaking to magazine Kicker this week.
With Farke’s style of play under question, Stach told Kicker he enjoys the freedom he is given in the middle of the park: “I definitely like it. We want to be active, press high, and play with a lot of intensity.
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“Our team is very fit, and the preseason was correspondingly tough. I think this approach is great because it suits us well. We have a lot of quality on the ball. We’re implementing it better and better,” Stach said.
“We’re realising we can absolutely compete in this league, which gives us confidence. I feel completely comfortable. We’re very flexible in midfield anyway, which suits me,” Stach continued, speaking to Kicker.
Daniel Farke looking dejected during a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Norwich
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
How long does Daniel Farke have in the Leeds hotseat?
As long as Farke remains above the point-a-game line, The 49ers will feel he is doing his job. Leeds are in 16th position in the Premier League table, and if they finish in that position next May, then it is job done.
The 49ers are content with the work Farke has done, even if some fans are becoming disgruntled with the way Farke has got Leeds playing and others are questioning his reactive approach to subs during a game.
Leeds fans are also concerned that Farke should have won more points by now, ahead of a daunting run during the winter. Between now and the New Year, Leeds face Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool twice.
The Whites are going to struggle to pick up points. But Leeds fans will also be concerned about The 49ers’ inability to bring in a manager during their search to replace Russell Martin at Rangers last month.