Good Morning. It's Thursday 21st August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Seventeen points by Christmas or else...
While the Elland Road faithful celebrated a superb opening day victory against Everton, pressure continues to loom over manager Daniel Farke. Despite securing promotion and receiving a subsequent vote of confidence from the 49ers, the summer was rife with links to high-profile replacements, a clear signal that Farke’s position is anything but guaranteed.
According to Beren Cross, the Leeds Utd correspondent for the 'New York Times', the manager's fate hinges on the festive period. With 17 league matches between now and Boxing Day, Cross believes that achieving a point a game is the minimum requirement—a total that would keep the Whites on track for the traditional 38-point safety mark.
By contrast, exceeding 20 points by the same deadline would likely cement his role and turn anxieties into optimism. For Farke, the early win was a crucial first step, but the clock is already ticking on a much longer and more demanding race.
Messrs Keith Andrews (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley) and Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest) are the early front runners to be the first Premier League managerial casualty of the season, followed closely by Ruben Amorim (Manchester Utd), Vitor Pereira (Wolves) and then our very own Daniel Farke.
There are 17 league matches between now and Boxing Day. The basic arithmetic of 38 points keeping you up, would mean 17 points should be around par, wouldn't you say? Anything below that and you would imagine the pressure on him is going to be intense. The distance he is from that points-per-game average will dictate how early he is sacked. By contrast, if he's beyond 20 points at that point, everyone is feeling pretty good.
From Muniz to DCL felt like a come down - Beren Cross
Leeds United's summer transfer activity has sparked a mixed bag of excitement and trepidation amongst the Elland Road faithful. Reflecting on the business done so far, New York Times correspondent Beren Cross revealed that the club are particularly thrilled with the capture of Anton Stach.
This acquisition was seen as a significant win, as Leeds had anticipated a protracted battle with numerous suitors, making his swift arrival all the more pleasing, especially after missing out on Habib Diarra.
Similarly, the deals for Perri and Bijol were described as "very reassuring," suggesting a smooth and effective recruitment process for these key talents.
However, the narrative surrounding Dominic Calvert-Lewin has sparked varied reactions among the Elland Road faithful. While many recognise his potential as an experienced Premier League striker, his history of injuries casts doubt on his future contributions.
Cross notes a contrast between the club's internal optimism and some external skepticism. While the swift signing of a player with a "chequered medical record" felt like a "come-down" for some after the long pursuit of Rodrigo Muniz, the feeling inside Elland Road is one of genuine excitement.
The club believes they have acquired an experienced Premier League goalscorer who, under the supportive management of Daniel Farke, can rediscover his best form if they can keep him fit.
Stach is one I know they were very happy to land. They did expect that one to drag out and for the suitors to be lining up. Getting him in, and the timing of it, really pleased them. Perri and Bijol were very reassuring deals for them too.
The narrative around Calvert-Lewin is going to be fascinating. I can't speak for every supporter and tar everyone with the same opinion, but it's fair to say he has had a lot of injury issues over the last few years. To go from months of chasing Muniz, a robust, powerful forward on an upward curve, to what seemed to be a quickfire free signing of someone with such a chequered medical record, felt like a come-down, at least for me.
However, people at the club do seem genuinely excited about getting him in and seeing what he can do with Farke's arm around the shoulder. They see an experienced Premier League striker who, when fit, has had several good spells in the division. They just have to keep him fit.