- Leeds United are considering sacking the man who has just got them promoted
- They are concerned about Daniel Farke’s previous Premier League performance
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ian Ladyman reveals who is to blame for Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League
Leeds United are considering making a stunning managerial change – despite Daniel Farke leading the club back to the Premier League.
Mail Sport understands that Elland Road bosses harbour reservations that the former Norwich City boss is the man to ensure what is viewed as vital top-flight survival.
No final decision has been made – and there is an awareness that such a controversial move could well backfire – not least with the club’s supporters. But other candidates are being examined ahead of what is a pivotal moment for the club.
Farke is arguably the most successful manager in the history of the Championship, having led both Norwich (twice) and Leeds to promotion. His three full seasons in the second tier have seen him record points tallies of 94, 97, 90 with Leeds currently on 94 with two games to play.
However, his Premier League performance in East Anglia is known to have triggered some thought among the Yorkshire club’s US-based owners, 49ers Enterprises.
In his first top-flight season the Canaries finished bottom with 21 points, 14 from safety, and he was sacked in the early November of his second, with his side on five points after 11 matches.
Leeds United are considering sacking Daniel Farke despite their Premier League promotion
The club’s US-based owners are concerned about his Premier League record with Norwich
Leeds United’s stars celebrated in style after securing promotion back up on their second try
Leeds are unlikely to pull the trigger unless they have a replacement lined up that they firmly believe will be a success and that is far from a foregone conclusion. Should they head down that route – and should a potential replacement get off to a poor start – the atmosphere could quickly plummet.
Farke, or whomever is in charge, will face a complex situation as they seek to build a squad capable of top-flight survival with an outlay beyond the £107m Ipswich spent expected to be needed given the growing gulf between the two competitions.
Finding that level of money while complying with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules will be a significant challenge.
Accounts are evaluated over a three-year period and, given that Leeds will be recorded as in the Championship for two of those, with the reduced revenues that brings, players will need to be sold. Whether takers can be found at the right price remains to be seen.
The club are also seeking to expand Elland Road, although money spent on infrastructure is exempt from PSR calculations.
Names such as Jose Mourinho have previously been linked with the job, although there is a keenness to find a lesser-known name should bosses land on making a change, following the success of Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.
Indeed, ahead of appointing Farke, Leeds were blocked by Rayo Vallecano after making an approach for Iraola.
