Daniel Farke is hoping to establish Leeds United back in the Premier League and ultimately return Leeds to the place they found themselves in at the start of the century.
Since relegation in 2004 after the financial collapse under chairman Peter Ridsdale, Leeds have not managed to return to the heights that saw them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2001.
Leeds were a regular feature in the top five of the Premier League at the time, but administration saw Leeds drop down the league and eventually relegated at the end of the 2003-04 season, finishing 19th.
The best Leeds have managed since is ninth under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa, but that is a long way away from the Leeds that would take 17th. Rio Ferdinand and Mark Viduka were key to that side.
Rio Ferdinand shares what it was like to train with Mark Viduka
Ferdinand is not a well-liked figure among Leeds fans, however. His decision to join rivals Manchester United, as well as his post-career comments and support of Galatasaray, has not gone down well.
Speaking on his own podcast this week, Ferdinand was asked what it was like to train with and defend against Mark Viduka in training, more than 20 years ago. He said he would keep him at arm’s length.
Asked: “How did you defend against Mark Viduka in training?“, Ferdinand replied: “Mark Viduka? Oh my God. Stay away from him. That’s it. Stay away. Arms length. Keep him at arms length.
“The moment he got hold of you, he was too big, too strong and too cute upstairs because he had a trick as well. He just holds you and roll you. He was so big and so strong. He had great feet. What a player.”
Mark Viduka was underrated during his Leeds United spell
When we talk about modern-day Leeds legends, the likes of Raphinha, Dominic Matteo, Lucas Radebe and others pop up. But Viduka is not one who immediately springs to mind for Leeds supporters.
Perhaps, because Viduka has spoken of a near-move to AC Milan. There is no doubt that the big Aussie was one of the best strikers of his time. Viduka thinks he was better than Robbie Fowler and Luis Suarez.
Right now, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be looking to emulate Viduka’s record and iconic status during his Leeds stint. The England international has one goal so far, but should have scored three or four so far.
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