Another Premier League game, another defeat for Leeds United. This time, it feels like the microscope is closing in on Daniel Farke, and even Wayne Rooney is concerned for the Whites.
A sixth loss for Leeds in 11 Premier League games came at The City Ground on Sunday. Lukas Nmecha might have scored his second goal for the club to give Leeds the lead, but Sean Dyche’s side won 3-1.
That is now four losses in the last five Premier League games, and five defeats in the six games away from home, not even including the penalty-shootout defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
Leeds looked bereft of ideas in attack and beleaguered in defence, unable to prevent Forest from scoring goals. This is a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone, and played in Europe on Thursday.
Daniel Farke during Leeds' defeat to Forest.
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Wayne Rooney is worried for Leeds United after Forest loss
Farke might not have got what he wanted in the summer, with the Leeds manager believing his squad is an attacker or two light. But Leeds fans have grown fed up of his in-game decisions and being reactive.
For Wayne Rooney, however, he is worried about the defence; 20 goals conceded and no clean sheet since August. Rooney told Match of the Day he is concerned that Farke’s side are allowing too many in.
“All they can do is keep on creating chances and hope the forwards take them. But I think the defence is conceding too many goals as well. They’re in a bad moment, I’m sure they’ll be working to get out of it.”
Leeds v Forest.
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
What must Daniel Farke address during the November break?
Judging by the comments on social media last night from Leeds supporters and across radio phone-ins, the majority of Leeds fans will wake up on Monday morning, hoping the club makes an announcement.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
The 49ers are wary of making the same mistake with Farke, as they did with Jesse Marsch. Clinging on and hoping it works and having to sack him down the line, closer to being relegated, because it didn’t click.
This isn’t all Farke’s fault. But there are so many things he has to improve: his tactical rigidity, his delay with substitutions. If Farke does retain his job, he has to stop the rot at the back and find a system.
Perhaps, for a few games, it might be worth trialling a new system with Villa, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool next up. They are games Leeds are going to struggle in, so why not try something new?