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Daniel Farke faces a critical seven days at Leeds United as mounting pressure from the Elland Road hierarchy threatens to end his tenure following a disastrous start to life back in the Premier League.
The German manager, who delivered the Championship title just six months ago, now finds himself staring down the barrel after a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday left Leeds languishing in 18th position with a mere 11 points from their opening 14 fixtures.
The Guardian reports that Farke’s position has become increasingly precarious, with two pivotal fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool this week set to determine whether he remains in charge.
Leeds’ ownership group – 49ers Enterprises, the American investment firm that also controls the San Francisco 49ers – is conducting an internal review of Farke’s future, with sources close to the club indicating that patience is wearing thin among decision-makers.
Should Leeds decide to part company with Farke this week, former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has emerged as a target to orchestrate a relegation escape.
Rodgers is currently a free agent after leaving Celtic on a by mutual consent in October and would be available immediately.
An interesting wrinkle in the potential appointment is Leeds’ ownership structure. 49ers Enterprises holds a majority stake in the consortium controlling Rangers, Celtic’s fiercest rivals, meaning Rodgers would be joining a club with indirect ties to the Ibrox boardroom.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has also been mentioned as a potential successor, though Rodgers is understood to be the preferred choice.
With Chelsea visiting Elland Road on Wednesday before Liverpool arrive on Saturday, Farke knows two heavy defeats could seal his fate. Leeds could make contact with Rodgers as early as this week if results go against them.
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