The international break has begun, and at least, Leeds United fans can forget their troubles for a while. But for The 49ers, it is a crucial period in which they must decide to stick or twist.
Fans are calling for Farke’s head after four defeats in the last five Premier League games. Of Leeds’ six games away from home, Leeds have been beaten in five – Arsenal, Fulham, Burnley, Brighton, and Forest.
There is a tactical ineptitude, a lack of understanding of what is required, and ultimately, the inability to cope with a Premier League side when they go above second gear, without the boost of Elland Road.
For Farke, LeedsUnited.News understands Farke is not on the brink of immediate danger. The 49ers plan to give him until January, currently. But certainly, Paraag Marathe will have to speak to Farke this break.
Nottingham Forest v Leeds United - Premier League
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Daniel Farke’s biggest flaw is likely to be his Leeds downfall
Before the defeat to Forest, many had sympathy for Farke. Many felt it was harsh to consider sacking him in the summer, while others realise he did not get the attacking quality he requested in the window.
But Sunday was different. It was a catalogue of mistakes from Farke that resulted in a 3-1 loss. Leaving Willy Gnonto at home, not starting Dan James, Jack Harrison at left-back and an utter lack of game plan.
But the biggest of all, something that has been pointed at Farke throughout his tenure, was that he was reactive instead of proactive. Sean Dyche made three subs on the hour mark, including Omari Hutchinson.
Sean Dyche speaks to media after Forest's win over Leeds.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
It changed the game. Ryan Yates gave Forest energy against a tiring Leeds midfield. Taiwo Awoniyi was a physical presence that dictated both Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol, and that contributed to Forest’s second.
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With Rodon and Bijol worrying about Awoniyi, Morgan Gibbs-White sneaked in to nod home a cross from the other sub, Hutchinson. Not until the 74th minute did Farke choose to make some changes on Sunday.
Reactive, not proactive. Too little, too late. Leeds needed freshening up at the same time as Dyche made subs, but Farke instead chose to giggle away in the dugout. It has been his biggest flaw while at Leeds.
Paraag Marathe cannot afford to mirror Daniel Farke’s mistake
So, Leeds have 11 points from 11 games. Solid enough. But it is the run of games coming up that Leeds fans are worried about, and highlights the inability to win points against Fulham, Burnley and Forest.
Farke is being reactive. He lacks the tactical nous to make the right call at the right time. Well, Marathe cannot afford to do the same, whether that is keeping Farke or making the decision to try something else.
The November break is the last opportunity clubs get to do some work on the training ground. After the break and until the third round of The FA Cup, it is constant and relentless Premier League action.
Jesse Marsch looks on during a Premier League clash between Brighton and Leeds
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Game after game, midweek outings, and the Christmas period. If any club wants to give a new manager time, it is now. The 49ers are keen on avoiding the same mistake Leeds made with Jesse Marsch in 2022.
Leeds clung onto Marsch during the 2022 World Cup break, and it ultimately led to relegation. A change would have given Leeds fans hope, the chance to buy well in January, and more games to keep Leeds up.
Do The 49ers genuinely see this situation improving under Farke? Or does it continue, and fans become disgruntled, which in turn removes Leeds’ biggest weapon, the enthusiasm of the Elland Road crowd?
Or do they bite the bullet, listen to fans, and make a decision, which in turn will keep them happy and on side? Farke has always been guilty of being reactive instead of proactive; Marathe cannot do the same.