Leeds United travel to Manchester City this afternoon hoping to pull off a shock result under Daniel Farke, after five losses in the last six games.
After losing three on the spin and performances taking a real turn for the worse since October, pressure couldn’t be higher on Daniel Farke.
Unfortunately for him, Leeds’ fixtures couldn’t really be tougher in the lead up to January. Starting with an away trip to Manchester City.
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Daniel Farke running out of time to improve on Leeds United shortcomings
The fact that reports emerged, mere days after promotion, that the club were considering sacking Farke said a lot. For the delight at him achieving the objective in brilliant fashion, there was also an acknowledgement of his shortcomings.
They didn’t stop United from getting to the Premier League, but they could well stop the club from being able to stay there.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa masterstroke left Daniel Farke and Leeds United kicking themselves. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Unai Emery’s breakdown of how Aston Villa came from behind was a damning indictment, making a double-sub at half time that Leeds didn’t respond to until the 71st minute.
That, plus controversial team selection, underpin the ongoing frustration amongst fans regarding the man in the dugout. Ultimately, as he prepares to take on Manchester City this afternoon, there’s virtually no time for Farke left to do anything other than work on these flaws.
Dan James must start – Leeds United’s attack needs pace on the counter-attack vs Manchester City
With that, I think we’re all in agreement that there’s one change that cannot be ignored any longer. It should have happened at Brighton. Then, it should have happened at Nottingham Forest. And then, it should have happened at home to Aston Villa.
Dan James simply has to start for Leeds United away at Manchester City. (Action Images via Reuters/Cat Goryn)
Dan James has been overlooked for over a month as a starter. But, the argument of match sharpness that Farke is using doesn’t hold water. He started twice for Wales and was one of Craig Bellamy’s best players earlier in the month. Even still, he was kept on the bench until the final 20 minutes against Villa.
Once he came on, Leeds’ attack gained a new lease of life. Ian Maatsen looked comfortable, until he was forced to drop deeper and deeper. It resulted in James thinking he’d forced through a leveller, only for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s arm to see it chalked off.
Knowing how little of the ball we’re going to have, we need to ask questions of Manchester City in transition. That means your fastest and most direct outlet has to start. The same goes for Willy Gnonto getting a chance too. Anything less and you fail to see how Farke retains any boardroom confidence whatsoever.