Simon Grayson has given an explanation as to why Daniel Farke appeared subdued at full-time as Leeds United clinched the Championship title on Saturday.
Leeds United are returning to the Premier League as champions of the Championship after scraping past Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on the final day of the season.
It was yet another dramatic day for Leeds, who left it to the last possible moment to take the lead and ensure they finished top of the table ahead of Burnley.
The all-but-relegated Plymouth made things incredibly difficult as they took a first-half lead and, though Willy Gnonto equalised after the break, the home side did everything they could to hold on to a draw.
But all the time-wasting and gamesmanship counted for nought in the end as the incredible Manor Solomon found a winner deep into added time.
Leeds held on to win the league with 100 points, sparking wild celebrations at Home Park. However, Farke appeared subdued while everyone else ran towards the fans.
The manager instead hunched over on his own and stared into the distance, but former Leeds boss Simon Grayson doesn’t think there was much in it.
Simon Grayson expects Daniel Farke to celebrate
Speaking on LUTV’s coverage of the game, Grayson offered some insight into how Farke would have been feeling at full-time.
He said: “It’s not easy, because you’re mentally drained after a game.
“He’s gone through every emotion all season and managing Leeds it certainly puts you through the ringer at times.
“He just wanted a moment to himself, maybe, to regather his thoughts, let the players enjoy themselves with the supporters but then he’ll be celebrating as much as everybody.
“It’s been a massive achievement and no better way to do it than a goal in front of the away supporters.”
Daniel Farke’s job at Leeds United remains in doubt
Understandably, many have taken Farke’s lack of wild celebrations as a potential hint that his future is not looking bright at Elland Road.
In the two weeks since Leeds secured promotion against Stoke City, Farke’s position as the man to guide the club into the Premier League has come into question.
It’s emerged that the 49ers are ‘considering’ sacking Farke over concerns with his record in the top flight, having won just six out of 49 matches in the division with Norwich City.
The owners are yet to publicly back Farke and with names like Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Roger Schmidt and Davide Ancelotti being heavily linked, things aren’t looking promising, regardless of what his reaction at full-time would have been.
With the season now done and dusted, a final decision will surely be made shortly after Monday’s open-top bus parade.
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