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Daniel Farke will be relieved as Leeds United go into the international break with a win under their belts, putting a run of five without a victory behind them. But it hands the 49ers an opportunity.
Farke has come under increasing pressure of late, with Leeds scoring just two goals in the previous five ahead of Saturday’s game at Elland Road. Indeed, only three points from a possible 15, losing twice.
His five wins in 49 Premier League away games is a particular concern. But the win against Spurs makes everything better, and now, the 49ers can finally announce something they’ve been waiting to do.
It’s been almost a month since reports emerged that Daniel Farke had an agreement in principle to sign a new contract with Leeds until the summer of 2029. But it’s been almost two months since a league win.
Announcing a new deal for Farke when the pressure was on would have invited huge criticism from sections of the ‘Farke Out’ brigade. But after a win, when he has the backing, fans would react very well.
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With an international break now upon us, and time to deal with other things than on-pitch matters, now would be the ideal time for the 49ers to make good on the reports and announce Farke’s new deal.
It has been claimed that Farke has even sacked his own agents to get the deal done. With his contract now due to expire next summer, a level of urgency is required. He deserves for the deal to be completed.
This is a man who has guided Leeds to promotion, taking over a mess after Andrea Radrizzani’s sale. A man who ended a Premier League run of six promoted clubs being relegated, with a 14th-placed finish.
Against Man City last November, Farke showed tactical nous. On the verge of the sack, he switched things up and provided European form to take Leeds from the drop zone to the safety of mid-table obscurity.
On Saturday, he did the same. A tweak in system, Leeds nullified an in-form Tottenham before Farke made the subs that won the game. Noah Okafor, Melvin Bard and Harry Wilson all involved in the winner.
Farke is thriving as Leeds manager. He has the calmness to cope with an expectant, demanding fanbase that are dreaming of a Leeds side of former glory. Farke is building for it, in the right way.