Leeds United boss Daniel Farke cannot afford to fall into the same trap that ensnared Javi Gracia in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season.
The similarities between Leeds’ last season in the Premier League and their current form are striking, as the Whites look to avoid the fate they suffered on that occasion.
Daniel Farke has overseen a near-identical record to Leeds’ previous relegation season, as the Whites currently sit on 16 points after 16 games, the same total they had achieved under Jesse Marsch at the same point.
Marsch did not see out the season with Leeds, leaving his position with the Whites seemingly destined for relegation. Crystal Palace’s most recent visit to Elland Road proved to be incredibly damaging for his successor, Javi Gracia, who saw a promising start come to a juddering halt against the Eagles.
Leeds win and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores – change my mind 👊
Fifth goal in a row, incoming
Heavy defeat against Crystal Palace proved costly for Javi Gracia
Gracia was drafted in as Leeds manager in February 2023 and tasked with steering the club away from relegation trouble after Marsch’s departure.
When Crystal Palace travelled to Elland Road in early April, there was a growing sense of hope that Gracia could help Leeds retain their Premier League status, after he took 10 points from his six Premier League games in charge.
Leeds appeared on track to secure another positive result in the first half, as Patrick Bamford steered a brilliant header into the goal to give Gracia’s side a well-deserved lead.
Few in the ground could have foreseen what would happen next, as Leeds capitulated in spectacular fashion. Marc Guehi got Palace level on the verge of half-time before the Eagles plundered four second-half goals to leave Gracia’s side shellshocked.
Leeds never recovered, losing 6-1 against Liverpool the following week, with Gracia leaving the club before the end of the season. Only the players and Gracia know what happened during that game to make the wheels come off so spectacularly.
Leeds United looking to close on April 2022 record
Farke has steered Leeds into a three-game run without defeat, with a win over Chelsea followed by draws against Liverpool and Brentford.
If Leeds can avoid defeat when Palace come to Elland Road at the weekend, they will come one step closer to equalling their best unbeaten run since April 2022.
Can Daniel Farke get one over on Oliver Glasner this weekend? 🦚🦅
The Leeds boss was full of praise for his opposite number
Marsch steered Leeds to five games without defeat between a home win over Norwich, settled by a famous Joe Gelhardt goal, on 13th March, and a 0-0 draw away against Crystal Palace at the end of April.
If Leeds can pick up a positive result against the Eagles this weekend, an away trip to fellow newly-promoted side Sunderland will be all that stands between them and equalling that run of results.
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