John Giles shares what he’s noticed about Leeds United boss Daniel Farke so far

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John Giles has urged the Leeds United board to back Daniel Farke ahead of the January window but has been impressed by the German manager’s work so far at Elland Road, as Leeds sit in third place.

Leeds will be frustrated to only sit in third so far. The Whites have done well on the whole, with 12 wins in 22 Championship games, and only four losses. But, they sit 10 points behind Ipswich, 13 off Leicester.

Many believe that Leeds have already waved goodbye to any chance of automatic promotion given the consistency of Ipswich and Leicester. It would require a big swing, if we were to break into the top two.

But Farke has had to put up with lots, more than the other relegated sides in the summer. After the mess we were left in, Farke has steadied the ship and pushed it in the right direction – to a considerable level.

If you had been offered third at the start of the season with a small-ish chance of catching the top two at the halfway point, you probably would have taken it. Giles was asked about the Leeds United gaffer.

“Farke is doing a good job so far,” Leeds icon Giles told Eamonn Dunphy’s podcast this week. “He does it quietly, he does it well. They’re in third at the moment. They might finish third. He’s improved them.

“They’re not messing around, but Leeds have to back him to do what needs to be done. So far he’s done a really, really good job,” Giles added, as we approach the January window. Leeds could make signings.

John Giles urges Leeds United board to back Daniel Farke

There has been criticism for Farke in recent weeks. Perhaps, born out of frustration that Leeds are so far behind the top two – the stats prove, it is a freak Championship season. Ipswich and Leicester are flying.

He has been criticised for his late move to bring on subs when chasing the game. Of course, it would be very different if Dan James had scored in injury time – a huge miss. There is still a chance of promotion.

Certainly, Leeds look good for the play-offs. For automatic promotion, it looks unlikely – but, Leicester and Ipswich are yet to have a blip for more than one or two games. Leeds need them to drop off soon.