Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has touched on his relationship with Daniel Farke
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
12:38, 23 Feb 2026
Anton Stach played one his best games for Leeds on Saturday
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Anton Stach played one his best games for Leeds on Saturday(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Anton Stach’s sublime free-kick may well be among the goal of the season contenders come May - it will certainly be among Leeds United’s.
“I saw that the goalkeeper had been lurking for the second post, and then I just thought I will just do it,” explained the German, who had initially been told by teammates to drift the ball to the back post.
That is now Stach’s fourth goal of the season, with three of them being direct free-kicks - the most out of any Premier League player. Leeds top the chart for most direct free-kicks scored as a result.
Stach’s first came against Wolverhampton Wanderers back in September before he fired home late on in December’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road. Before this season, his last direct free-kick came while playing for fourth-tier German side SSV Jeddeloh in 2017.
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Guardiola on ‘friend’ Farke
Listening to the comments of other Premier League managers, it is clear that many have a lot of respect for Daniel Farke beyond the usual pleasantries. Unai Emery said he had a lot of “admiration” for the Leeds boss in his matchday programme notes on Saturday.
Farke will face up against another complimentary contemporary this weekend when Manchester City come to town. Pep Guardiola is clearly someone who has a lot of time for the German, having called on the phone back in August following Arsenal’s 5-0 win.
Whether or not there have been any phone calls since then is not known, but Guardiola is clear on how he feels about Farke. “I have an incredible admiration and respect for Daniel,” said Guardiola after his side’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.
“He is a friend of mine and I know how difficult it will be.” This comes after Guardiola stated he had an “incredible opinion” of Farke back in November.
NFL star becomes 49ers investors
American Football star Maxx Crosby has confirmed that he has become an investor in Leeds United under the 49ers Enterprises banner. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end becomes the latest in a long list of famous US athletes to plug cash into the firm.
Confirming the news on social media, Crosby wrote: “Winners recognise winners. Proud to invest with Leeds United. All in on the culture.”
Other notable 49ers Enterprises investors include golfing icon Jordan Spieth, swimming legend Michael Phelps, and NBA star and avid Whites supporter Larry Nance Jr. Actors Russell Crowe and Will Ferrell are also involved.
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Earlier this month, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York promised that "there will definitely be more" investment in Leeds United this summer.