There are many causes for frustration for Leeds United fans at the moment. The club’s form, The 49ers retaining Daniel Farke as things stand. But another is the form of a player out on loan.
Fans want Farke gone after four defeats in five Premier League games. While there may have been some sympathy for the Leeds boss before Sunday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, that simply does not remain.
Sunday’s loss was a catalogue of errors. Leaving Willy Gnonto in Yorkshire, bringing Jack Harrison on at left-back, failing to make subs until the 74th minute and ultimately, being reactive instead of proactive.
Farke is under the spotlight. LeedsUnited.News understand that Farke will be given until January to turn things around, but the fixture list doesn’t help. Neither does Sunderland’s form, or Joe Gelhardt’s goals.
Joe Gelhardt in action during Norwich City v Hull City - Sky Bet Championship
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Joe Gelhardt compared to Dennis Bergkamp by Hull manager
With Leeds in poor form and in a bad way under Farke, Sunderland’s form and indeed, Gelhardt’s goals, are added fuel to the fire. Gelhardt has now had a hand in 10 goals, more than Leeds have scored so far.
But it is Gelhardt’s form in the last few games that has won him plaudits. Five goals and two assists in his last six games. A player ostracised by Farke, playing less than 500 minutes in 18 months before his loan.
Daniel Farke looking dejected during a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Norwich
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Speaking to Croatian outlet Jutarnji, Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic hinted at an intriguing reason for the star’s exit from Leeds and compared Gelhardt’s ability to that of Dennis Bergkamp, in his ability to score goals.
“I won’t go into the reasons why Leeds gave him up, but I had more than enough information before I came to Hull. He knows how to score, without exaggeration, in the style of legendary Dennis Bergkamp.”
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic.
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Joe Gelhardt isn’t the only mistake Daniel Farke has made
Gelhardt deserved more game time at Leeds, while in the Championship, his Hull form proves that. But Farke is not flexible when it comes to team selection, and the likes of Joel Piroe were preferred.
Now, Gelhardt has a new lease of life on the right wing at Hull. A position that Leeds are struggling with, having failed to sign Harry Wilson. Brenden Aaronson remains a much-criticised member of the side.
But Gelhardt isn’t the only Leeds gem that Farke has allowed to slip through his fingers. Fans point to the bizarre decision to let Largie Ramazani go on loan, while Charlie Cresswell is sparkling over in France.
Gelhardt is on loan until the end of the season at Hull, but he has a contract at Leeds until 2027. The comments made by the Hull manager suggest his time at Leeds is over, but there is time to reverse that.