News that Daniel Farke’s Leeds United job is on the line has surely stunned many in the football world, whilst dividing opinion among Leeds fans.
Leeds United fans seem mostly in favour of Daniel Farke staying in charge for next season, after it was revealed that Farke could be sacked following promotion to the Premier League.
It was previously revealed that the 49ers had reservations about Farke’s previous Premier League record with Norwich City which stands a just six wins from 49 top flight games.
But it’s since come to light that Leeds United officials sympathise with Farke’s Premier League record, understanding that he was dealt a difficult task with the Canaries and that matters would be different with Leeds United this time round.
And the topic has been so hot that even Chris Wilder gave his verdict on the Farke rumours, saying that it was ‘ridiculous’ that we’re even talking about a manager getting sacked after such a strong season in the Championship, ending in promotion.
- READ MORE: ‘Funny that’… Leeds United fans can’t believe what Paul Merson has just told Daniel Farke to do
Liam Manning says Daniel Farke’s Leeds United exit rumours are ‘madness’
And now, Bristol City manager Liam Manning has weighed in with his verdict on the matter, ahead of his side’s trip to Elland Road on Monday night. Manning labelled the whole situation as ‘madness’ and sided with Farke, stating that the constant uncertainty over managerial positions is actually harming the game.
Manning said when asked about he Farke speculation: “Madness, right? The game’s mad. It’s one of those, I don’t know anymore. For me, I think sometimes it can be detrimental to the game, if you’re going in somewhere and you feel you’ve not got long to keep your job.
“You end up naturally becoming, probably slightly more pragmatic which then, when we talk around entertaining people and the fans being excited by what they see, similar for us a little bit last year. I think it becomes difficult. Naturally you might then stifle a bit of creativity etc, but it’s part and parcel of it.
“Do I agree with it? I’m going to say no because of the position I’m in.”
Daniel Farke’s brilliant response to Leeds United exit rumours
And of course, Farke himself was asked for his opinion on the whole saga. As ever, Farke remained classy and calm in his response. He said that this kind of noise is simply part of the game and part of being manager of Leeds United.
Farke said about the rumours he could be sacked: “The big problem is, if you’re in change for this club and you take it personally, or you are distracted from what your focus should be on, or you’re struggling a bit or you suffer, or you lose self-confidence or the concentration, then you can’t lead this club. It’s difficult. It’s challenging.
“I don’t think the answer that this club has never – apart from Marcelo’s great season – promoted in the last 35 years. It’s not because the managers and players were all so clueless, and so poor in all of the last 35 years, but to handle the pressure and the expectations, all the rumours and all the gossip.”
And a win against a strong Bristol City side on Monday, and an eventual third Championship title on his CV would certainly help towards quashing this noise about his future at the club.
But it won’t be easy on Monday night. The Robins sit in 5th and will want to consolidate their spot in the top six with a win, whereas the Leeds players have to refocus their attentions after securing promotion.
Kick off is at 8pm on Monday night.
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