Daniel Farke knows that nothing other than promotion will do at Leeds United this season.
History shows the longer a side is out of the Premier League, the more difficult it is to return, and that is especially true with the growing gap between the top two divisions of English football.
Leeds accumulated 90 points and reached the play-off final last season but were still unable to get themselves over the line, with Farke receiving the brunt of the criticism for that failure.
Having the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter at his disposal in the Championship should’ve been enough, but there was some extra leeway for Farke after the chaotic start to the 2023/24 campaign.
Paraag Marathe came out and backed Farke almost instantly after the defeat to Southampton at Wembley, but patience is certainly thinner this time around.
49ers stance on Farke future at Leeds
Leeds are three points better off than they were this time 12 months ago and with no one like Leicester City or Ipswich Town making such incredible starts, they are right in the mix.
That said, Farke does feel Leeds should be on more than 16 points and he would be right in saying that. Games against Portsmouth, Burnley and Sunderland conjured up just two points, when it could and should’ve been seven.
Leeds created enough chances to win three games against Portsmouth, while errors from Manor Solomon and Illan Meslier proved costly in the other two.
And although Leeds do find themselves in a good position, the feeling among supporters still isn’t overly positive. In the recent 2-0 win at Cardiff City, Leeds fans were even heard booing due to complaints over the style of football.
However, speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says Farke still retains the trust of the 49ers, though that could change if Leeds fall away from the top six positions.
He said: “I think if it got to January and Leeds weren’t top seven, he would be under pressure. But I don’t think Leeds will be out of the top seven at that point. It’s impossible to tell clearly, but I think he’s got a very steady ship there.
“The board trust him, but clearly nothing but promotion will do so the pressure is already there. Unless Leeds suddenly blow a gasket and drop out of the top seven, top eight, top 10, I don’t see them making a change.
“They are fairly happy with where they are, bang in it and right up there with the best teams in the division. Leeds are definitely in the top four teams in the division, and they are showing it so I don’t think there’s much more he can do at this point.”
Farke is the right man for Leeds at this stage
Had Leeds been more clinical and not made such silly mistakes at the back, then the fanbase’s view on Farke would be completely different to what it is now.
Leeds’ performances have undoubtedly been enough to have them top of the league right now, but as it is, they are only three points behind.
Yes, the style of play may be a struggle to watch at times, but when the majority of sides are happy to sit back and defend against Leeds, it isn’t always easy to play free-flowing football.
After next week’s game against Sheffield United, Leeds have a considerably kinder run of fixtures until around mid-December. Judgement on Farke should be made then.
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