Daniel Farke needed a result against Chelsea to save his role as Leeds United manager on Wednesday night, but not many saw a 3-1 hammering of Enzo Maresca’s side unfolding.
After six defeats in seven games and four consecutive losses, the pressure was mounting on Farke. There were reports that said Farke needed a result against Chelsea or the 49ers would sack the Leeds manager.
What a win! Who was your Man of the Match? 🔥
Paraag Marathe was at Elland Road, perhaps in anticipation of sacking Farke face-to-face. Yet, Marathe watched on as Leeds produced a remarkable performance and result, with Farke masterminding the win.
Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the goals and aside from a few nervous shouts after Pedro Neto got one back for Chelsea, Farke has saved his Leeds job for now, according to Gary Neville.
Gary Neville delivers an immediate Daniel Farke verdict
Even if Leeds lose to Liverpool on Saturday night, Farke has put enough credit in the bank to at least remain manager for the next few matches. He showed versatility and the willingness to do what was right.
His change to a 3-5-2 system worked to perfection, his changes the right ones and his substitutions did their job. Noah Okafor came on to tackle Robert Sanchez and provide an assist for striker Calvert-Lewin.
Gary Neville was on co-commentary for Sky Sports on Wednesday night, and after full-time, he discussed the reports of Farke being in danger of the sack. He says that Leeds can move forward with Farke, now.
“Coming out of the bottom three is a big boost for Leeds, but the bigger boost is that they’ve won a big match. They can see a way forward now. Leeds fans were wondering ‘has the coach got a plan B?
“‘Is he going to be able to get us out of this mess?’ The pressure was building. But the way in which they played tonight will see them pick up more points. There’s a lot to like about what we saw,” Neville said.
Re-live Ao Tanaka’s rocket against Chelsea 🚀
What does Daniel Farke need to solidify his position as manager?
The thing is, it wasn’t only a simple one-off win. It is a new system for fans to get behind and believe in, almost as if it is a new leaf turned over and a new era of the German gaffer’s management at Elland Road.
The instant change is remarkable. Not many would have said the welcome of Liverpool at Elland Road is a winnable game, but after the win over Chelsea and Liverpool’s form, there is a real belief Leeds could win.
If Farke avoids defeat on Saturday, and keeps Leeds at a point a game beyond the weekend – Leeds now have 14 from 14 after the win over Chelsea – Farke will surely feel he is heading into January as manager.
Leeds have climbed out of the relegation zone and now sit in 17th place for the time being, with West Ham facing Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Liverpool come to Elland Road, next.
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