Daniel Farke now finds himself under even more pressure at Leeds.
A 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday made it six defeats in seven Premier League games for the German, who angered fans by refusing to make tactical changes until it was too late once again.
The pressure is mounting on Daniel Farke… should Leeds United sack him?⌛
With The 49ers understood to have some concerns about Daniel Farke after the result, let’s take a look at six unemployed managers Leeds could hire immediately if the 49-year-old is handed his P45.
Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers among six unemployed managers with Premier League experience Leeds United could hire
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate has been out of work since leaving his role in charge of England in July 2024, shortly after losing the UEFA Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Before ending up on the international scene, the 55-year-old managed 114 games in the Premier League with Middlesbrough, winning 29, drawing 33 and losing 52.
Erik ten Hag
It may not be a popular choice given his links to Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag is also currently available.
The Dutchman oversaw 85 Premier League games during his time at Old Trafford, winning 44 and losing 27 – but winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Ten Hag moved to Bayer Leverkusen in May 2025, but was dismissed in September after just two Bundesliga matches.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou can stake a claim to being the manager most recently involved in the Premier League on this list.
The Australian was sacked by Nottingham Forest in October just 39 days into the job, having failed to win any of his eight games in charge.
Daniel Farke is statistically Leeds’ worst Premier League manager 📉
Postecoglou is an option for The 49ers having guided Tottenham to UEFA Europa League glory last season.
Gary O’Neil
Wolves almost hired Gary O’Neil for a second time earlier this month before he rejected the offer and Rob Edwards was hired instead.
Across spells at Bournemouth and Wolves, the man born in Beckenham oversaw 88 games, winning 25 and losing 47 as he eventually received his P45 from both clubs.
Brendan Rodgers
If Farke is sacked, Brendan Rodgers currently seems the most likely replacement.
The Northern Irishman has the most Premier League experience of any manager on this list by far, overseeing 312 games in total – winning 139 and losing 102 with Swansea, Liverpool and Leicester.
Rodgers was considered by The 49ers in 2023 before Farke arrived, and those in the boardroom at Elland Road are aware of his availability after his departure from Celtic in October.
Bruno Lage
Another ex-Wolves boss makes this list in Bruno Lage.
The Portuguese coach was sacked by Wolves in October 2022 after a run of nine defeats in 15 Premier League outings, but it was not exactly a sour ending.
Jeff Shi – chairman of Wolves – was glowing in his praise of Lage despite the decision, saying: “Bruno is an excellent coach, a hardworking and dedicated manager, and a warm, wise and honest man… I honestly have no doubts about Bruno’s ability and I’m sure he will succeed elsewhere.”
Lage could therefore represent a wildcard option for Leeds, although we can’t help but feel it would become another Javi Gracia situation.
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