Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been praised for his approach after the Whites upturn in form.
Former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges believes Daniel Farke deserves credit for evolving his managerial style following the Whites return to the Premier League.
The former Norwich City manager narrowly missed out on helping Leeds secure their place back in the top flight during his first season in charge at Elland Road as they suffered a Championship play-off final defeat against Southampton. However, there was to be no mistake last season as Farke and his players held their nerve to claim the second tier title after an intriguing battle with closest rivals Burnley.
Despite that unquestionable success, there was speculation the Elland Road hierarchy could look to replace the German boss amid doubts over his ability to succeed at Premier League level. That speculation ramped up as the Whites endured a difficult return to the top tier of English football and they were sitting firmly in the relegation battle as December approached - but a tactical tweak implemented at half-time in a narrow defeat at Manchester City has triggered a major upturn in form.
Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea means Farke’s men have now lost just two of their last 14 games in all competitions and are now sitting six points and three places above the relegation zone. Former Whites star Bridges believes his old club are no benefitting from a change in approach from their manager and praised Farke and his coaching staff for their actions over the last two months.
Credit to the man
Michael Bridges on the ball.placeholder image
Michael Bridges on the ball.
Speaking on LUTV after the draw at Stamford Bridge, the former Whites striker said: “Daniel Farke has evolved as well as a manager. Championship, promotion with Norwich. Championship, promotion with Leeds United. Went to the Premier League, learned from the last time, but I could have told you, we all know when he was going to make changes, at what time of the game the subs are going to come on.
“Now what you are seeing is that he is happy to adapt his system because he believes that the players can take the information on. He is happy to make changes in a game that will suit the team for the better of the dynamics and trust that the players are going to execute it. He will make substitutions at different points of the game for personnel.
“So, he has evolved this season dramatically and what has that done? That has made Leeds United get in this rich vein of form that we are seeing since the second half of the Manchester City game. So fair play to himself and the staff. That is, you know, self-reflection to change like that for the betterment of this football club. Credit to the man for what he is doing.”
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