Leeds United fans are asking why The 49ers have not yet made the decision to oust Daniel Farke from his position as manager, after Sunday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Until Sunday’s 3-1 hammering, which could have been four or five, there was sympathy for Farke. Many felt the club’s recruitment team had not given Farke the tools he required to keep Leeds in the top tier.
That, and the form of some of Leeds’ signings, has not yet met the required standard. Jaka Bijol has done little to convince, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only managed one goal for Leeds in 10 appearances.
But on Sunday, it was all Farke’s doing. Farke made the bizarre decision not to bring Willy Gnonto, he started Brenden Aaronson again and didn’t make a sub until the 74th minute, when it was too late.
The November break is the last decent chance to give a new manager some time to gel with the squad without any matches, and fans felt it was the ideal time to get rid. But, Farke remains in situ in Yorkshire.
Indeed, LeedsUnited.News understands that actually, Farke is in no immediate danger and will be given until January to turn things round. But Ross McCormack’s latest reveal should mean Farke is in danger.
Ross McCormack scores for Leeds against QPR.
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Ross McCormack’s claim should mean Daniel Farke is in danger
McCormack claims that he had been told the fan backlash kept Farke in a job following promotion, with rumours circulating that Farke could be sacked despite guiding Leeds to the Championship title.
He said today: “There was talk over the summer that the 49ers were going to let Daniel Farke go, and apparently, they only didn’t let him go because of the backlash they were getting from the fans.”
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But by the same token, if Paraag Marathe chose not to sack Farke in the summer because of what the fans thought, then why has he not pulled the trigger now? The overwhelming majority want Farke gone.
Paraag Marathe attends a Leeds game.
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Paraag Marathe is in danger of losing Leeds’ biggest weapon
Every pundit discussing Leeds’ situation has said it. Leeds only avoid relegation this season by taking advantage of the Elland Road crowd, and already, the club’s home form has proven it is going to be key.
Eight points from five games at home, three from six away. On Sunday, Graham Smyth reported that the away end was angry, with Farke the subject of their criticism. Supporters are becoming disgruntled.
It might not be toxic yet, but if Leeds are to stay up, they need fans onside. Marathe cannot lose the fans as the board did in 2023, by retaining Jesse Marsch. Andrea Radrizzani admitted that it was a mistake.
Daniel Farke during Leeds' defeat to Forest.
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Marathe must maintain the support from fans and if that means sacking Farke, then so be it. No matter who is in charge at Leeds, the Elland Road support remains the best weapon in the fight against the drop.
Marathe is playing a dangerous game if he does keep Farke, which seems to be what he is doing. He better hope that Farke gets a win and soon, because otherwise, he’s missed the best chance to sack him.