Daniel Farke and Paul Warne are two managers under pressure for very different reasons ahead of Leeds United’s clash with Derby County at Elland Road.
After falling just short of an immediate return to the Premier League last season, Farke knows how important it is for Leeds to go one better this time around.
Leeds currently sit third in the Championship and just three points adrift of Sheffield United in first, but after another 1-0 defeat on the road to Blackburn Rovers last time out, questions have been asked about Farke’s ability to come through these games.
Warne, meanwhile, has made a solid start to the season with Derby after promotion from League One earlier this year, as they sit 15th in the table.
However, after a run of just one win in nine matches, Rams supporters have started to get a little restless regarding Warne, and showed as much after last weekend’s late loss to Sheffield Wednesday.
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Warne baffled by Farke rumours ahead of Leeds vs Derby
Farke certainly isn’t in any immediate danger of losing his job but one statistic that has caused frustration this week is the fact Leeds sit on the exact same number of points after 18 matches as this time 12 months ago.
Given how turbulent the start of last season was, Leeds should’ve been able to put themselves in a better position during the opening few months of this campaign.
Leeds went on a run of 12 wins in 13 matches at the turn of the New Year to put themselves in contention last season but it feels unlikely they would be able to go and do that again.
That said, starting with Derby this weekend, Leeds have a decent run of fixtures coming up over the festive period which should allow them to really push on.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Derby’s trip to Elland Road, Warne cannot believe some of the things he has been hearing about Farke being under pressure, claiming it is the toughest away ground in the Championship.
He said: “I can’t believe he’s under any pressure at all…& if they did get rid of him I don’t know who they’d suggest to get in who could do it any better…. I think they’re a great a team. It’s the toughest place to go in the league.”
Warne rules out Derby midfielder for Leeds trip
On top of Derby being without Ebou Adams through suspension, another of Warne’s key midfielders won’t be available at Elland Road.
Derby had been hopeful David Ozoh would return from injury for this one, but Warne has confirmed he is not quite there yet with his recovery.
He told Derbyshire Live: “No, David still isn’t in a position yet where we could risk him, so it’s just taking a little bit longer than we wished for, I think is probably the best way to put it, so David, will not be on the bus.”
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