Good Morning. It's Tuesday 11th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Odds plummit on Farke departure
Speculation over Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds United intensified yesterday as betting markets reacted sharply to rumours that his days are numbered. Odds on Farke being the next Premier League manager to be sacked plummeted from 2/1 in the morning; a price that would have tripled a punter’s stake, to just 1/2 by the afternoon, following a surge in wagers.
Such a dramatic shift suggests mounting expectations that the 49ers will act sooner rather than later. On the pitch, the situation is precarious: Leeds sit only one point above the relegation zone, and recent performances have lacked both consistency and cutting edge. Concerns over defensive frailty, an inability to turn possession into goals, and a worrying run of results against relegation rivals have added to the pressure on the German coach.
Sutton leaps to defence of Farke
Former player, now pundit Chris Sutton has stepped in to defend Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, as calls for the German’s dismissal grow louder. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 phone-in show on Sunday, Sutton challenged the narrative that Farke should be sacked, asking listeners whether Leeds’ struggles are truly down to him, or poor recruitment during the summer.
Sutton’s comments highlight a key issue facing Leeds this season - the quality of their summer transfer activity. By most accounts, recruitment was underwhelming, leaving Farke with limited options and arguably a weaker squad than needed for top flight survival. Given Farke’s track record in the Championship, Sutton believes the German could yet prove his worth, particularly if Leeds find themselves back in the second tier next season.
Yet supporters and critics remain divided. Whilst Farke is operating under challenging circumstances, he is failing to get the most out of the players at his disposal. Questions linger over tactical decisions, team motivation, and the ability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. Even if Sutton’s defence of Farke carries weight, it does not erase concerns over Farke's shortcomings.
The 49ers face a tough decision. Relegation - but be well prepared to bounce back up again, or make changes NOW in the hope a new Manager will be able to get more out of the players, survive the season, and continue the rebuild project next summer!
No, I don’t agree [Farke needs to go]. I like a long-term strategy. If Daniel Farke isn’t responsible for the recruitment and Leeds aren’t performing at the level, difficult enough to come out of the Championship.
Poor useage of substitutions is a regular pattern
talkSPORT’s resident provocateur, Adrian Durham, has waded into the ongoing debate over Daniel Farke’s tenure at Elland Road, questioning whether the German has what it takes to keep the club in the Premier League. Known for his unapologetic and often divisive takes, Durham echoed concerns that have been voiced by large sections of the ER faithful since Farke’s arrival in July 2023 - particularly regarding his in-game management and substitutions.
Speaking on the station yesterday, Durham acknowledged that Farke could point to squad limitations as a mitigating factor in Leeds’ recent struggles. However, he argued that the real issue lies in the manager’s reactive approach during matches. According to Durham, Farke’s tendency to delay tactical changes until the situation becomes critical is a recurring flaw, one that contrasts sharply with the proactive strategies employed by top Premier League bosses. “The better managers,” Durham noted, “stem the problem before it gets out of hand,” suggesting Farke’s inability to anticipate trouble is costing Leeds valuable points.
While Durham was careful to add that he likes Farke personally and respects his character, his overarching message was clear: sentiment cannot outweigh results. Leeds’ priority is survival, and if performances do not improve, Durham believes a managerial change is likely in January. His comments tap into growing frustration among supporters who feel the club’s ambitions are being undermined by tactical hesitancy.
Whether Durham’s prediction comes to pass remains to be seen, but his remarks have once again stirred the pot, placing more pressure on Farke to deliver results - and to start making bolder, swifter decisions from the dugout. In a season where every point matters, hesitation might just prove costly.
You are right about the squad, so Daniel Farke can point to that, but I’d look at in game as well, he did not make changes until it was too late, and that is on him. “That is a regular pattern, he is too reactionary, he can’t see things happening before they happen, and the better Premier League managers can do that, therefore, they stem the problem before it gets out of hand. “I think that is one issue counting against him, listen, I’ve interviewed him, I like him as a bloke, but Leeds need to stay in the Premier League, and I can see a change coming in January.
