Leeds United have a decision to make in November on whether to sack Daniel Farke, and it comes almost four years exactly since he left Norwich City in the Premier League relegation scrap.
Losing four games out of the last five, and in the manner that Leeds have, puts massive pressure on Daniel Farke right now.
The Leeds boss speaks of the current 11-point return from 11 games and how that leaves United ‘on course’ for 38 points and probable survival.
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Will Leeds United pull the trigger on Daniel Farke this week with sack decision?
If fans had their way on the managerial decisions, Farke would probably already be packing. That is based on the online reaction to the Nottingham Forest defeat, as the dust settles this week.
However, those hoping for a dismissal in the dugout may well be disappointed. Reports from multiple sources seem to indicate that the 49ers are sticking for now.
Daniel Farke is not expected to be sacked imminently at Leeds United. (REUTERS/Isabel Infantes)
That’s according to Sky Sports and others. They state that there are currently no plans for Leeds to part ways with the man who secured them promotion back in April.
The YEP’s Graham Smyth said this on The Square Ball podcast in relation to calls for Farke’s head:
“I wouldn’t be expecting it to be honest. I would be very surprised, stunned, in fact, if they made a change at this point. Just not the sense I’m getting. It’s not what we’re hearing.”
What was said about Daniel Farke when he was sacked at Norwich City?
Four years ago, Farke was facing relegation trouble again at Norwich City. Ultimately, he was dismissed after finally getting his first win on the board. It came at this exact juncture: 11 games gone, just after a trip to fellow newly-promoted Brentford.
As has been referenced plenty, Farke wasn’t given the tools to succeed in the Premier League at Carrow Road. But, comments from NBC Sports’ Robbie Mustoe reacting to his Norwich departure do look similar to our current position.
Daniel Farke was sacked at Norwich City despite getting his first win of the season away at Brentford in November 2021. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
“You’ve had four and a half years, and you’ve gone through the cycle twice. The philosophy of this club is ‘we’re never gonna overspend to stay in the Premier League, we want a manager with continuity, we’re going to bring players in for, for low values, and we’re gonna try and to punch [above] our weight in the Premier League,” Mustoe said.
“Now, it’s the second time that Daniel Farke has brought Norwich back into the Premier League. Well done. I guess that’s why he got a new contract in July, which now is, oops, too early.
“But, for the second time, he’s not put a dent on the Premier League. Even though, he won the Championship so convincing last year. 10 points ahead of Brentford, who are doing a better job right now.”
Worry for Leeds United – Daniel Farke’s Norwich City exit has striking similarities
Firstly, the difference between Leeds this season and Norwich last season is that while United’s recruitment left a lot to be desired, they’re at least trying to stay in the division. Farke was set up to fail and be relegated before a ball was kicked at Carrow Road.
However, the manner in which Farke has witnessed his title-winning side leapfrogged in the Premier League by respective playoff winners is alarming.
Brentford cruised to safety in 21/22 at Norwich’s expense. They enjoyed the shrewd, pragmatic coaching of Thomas Frank, they also supplied him with the tools he needed to compete in the division.
It sounds very similar to what is happening with the most recent playoff final winners, Sunderland. Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland were miles off Farke’s Leeds last season. But, a supremely ambitious summer spending spree and a more pragmatic outlook to Le Bris’ coaching means the Black Cats are thriving. Meanwhile, Farke is again wondering if he’s staring down the barrel in November after 11 games.
There’s two worrying similarities. The first that Farke is again proving that he might not be up to the task of surviving relegation. The other is that Leeds have followed Norwich in allowing an inferior squad to completely bypass them in the space of a summer.
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