Daniel Farke sent another clear message to The 49ers following Leeds United’s dramatic Championship title triumph, with chairman Paraag Marathe in attendance.
Leeds United will return to the Premier League as Championship champions and they did it in perhaps the most dramatic way possible on the final day of the season.
Plymouth Argyle were doomed for relegation but that didn’t stop them from doing all they could to upset the script, taking the lead through an unfortunate Sam Byram own-goal.
Leeds responded after the break as Willy Gnonto fired them level but Plymouth dug in even deeper, annoyingly running down the clock as it looked like the title would head to Burnley.
However, with time running out, the incredible Manor Solomon struck a remarkable winner to spark wild celebrations and secure the trophy.
Daniel Farke cut a subdued figure at the full-time whistle but remained defiant in his post-match press conference as he sent a message to the 49ers.
Daniel Farke tells 49ers they ‘need a perfect summer’
Speaking after the game, Farke told the 49ers that they will have to get everything right this summer if they want to keep the club in the Premier League, something that is crucial amid plans to expand Elland Road.
He said: “It’s important we let our hair do. Otherwise, what’s the point of doing all this discipline?
“We won’t speak about the Premier League for the next few days… but this club needs a perfect summer and top-class decisions.”
Farke’s comments come after he demanded ‘ambition’ from the owners in the wake of promotion being secured a fortnight ago.
Daniel Farke sends a subtle message about his position
Chairman Paraag Marathe was in attendance at Home Park as Leeds secured the title, giving Farke yet more political leverage as his job continues to come into question.
Ever since promotion was sealed on Easter Monday, Farke’s ability to keep Leeds in the Premier League has been questioned.
It then emerged that Leeds were ‘considering’ sacking Farke over fears he won’t be able to keep them up, having won just six games in the top flight out of 49.
Yet, after winning the league in even better style than Marcelo Bielsa managed with 100 points, Farke is in a strong position.
Especially as sacking him now has huge potential to backfire and not go down well with supporters.
Farke’s message of ‘top-class decisions’ certainly feels pointed if you read between the lines.
Leeds could sack him, but those linked to replace him so far – Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Davide Ancelotti, Roger Schmidt – are hardly inspiring names with a better Premier League record.
It’s going to be fascinating to see what the club decides, with a decision surely set to come soon after Monday’s open-top bus parade, but Farke doesn’t look like he’s going down without a fight.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
