Daniel Farke appointed Leeds United manager: What next for the club?
- George Dempsey
- 4 July 2023
With Leeds United confirming the appointment of Daniel Farke as their new manager, Planet Sport breaks down what took so long and examines what comes next at Elland Road.
Leeds United have announced the appointment of Daniel Farke as their new first-team manager.
The club have confirmed he has put pen to paper on a four-year deal which will keep him at Elland Road until July 2027.
The German won the Sky Bet Championship with Norwich City on two separate occasions and will be tasked with repeating that achievement this season.
Despite his success at Carrow Road and outstanding win percentage, Farke was unable to keep Norwich City in the Premier League.
He briefly took charge at Krasnodar in Russia but never managed a game due to the impact of the war.
He then moved to Borussia Monchengladbach the following season for a 12-month stint, winning 12 of 36 games in charge.
Above all, Farke will be remembered for the exhilarating brand of football that terrorised the Championship and the Canaries' stunning 3-1 win over Bielsa's Leeds at Elland Road.
Speaking to the club website, he said: "I'd like to thank everyone for the really warm welcome, I'm really grateful at this moment, to work for this amazing club.
"The most important thing is to create togetherness and unity within this club again and from today onwards... I can't wait for the first game of the season."
Fans are now on tenterhooks waiting for the announcement that 49ers Enterprises has taken over from Andrea Radrizzani.
Despite frustration at the lack of public progress, sources close to the club have confirmed the wheels are in motion ahead of the new season.
Paraag Marathe, soon to be top dog at Elland Road, hoped to announce the takeover and Farke's appointment together.
The takeover has been formally agreed upon but is being held up by the EFL's Owners and Directors test.
While these tests can be quite straightforward, it's our understanding that a large number of individuals within the investment group are being checked.
Marathe had no choice but to backtrack on his plans with pre-season beginning on the morning of Wednesday, July 5th.
Behind the scenes, Nick Hammond has been working closely with Angus Kinnear to identify and secure transfer targets, while also moving players out of the club.
It's understood that Farke and Leeds had a gentleman's agreement some time ago which has allowed the Whites to begin contacting suitable players.
Nat Phillips and Karl Darlow are the first two targets that have been publicly acknowledged by sources close to their clubs.
Equally as important as securing new arrivals will be retaining the services of Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra, if at all possible.
The Whites will also need to procure a captivating number 10 à la Emi Buendia or Pablo Hernandez to make their new system tick.
Farke's Argentine maestro played a part in 51 goals across two Championship campaigns and operates in a role absent from recent Leeds squads.
Jayson Molumby has been linked with a move in recent weeks but looks more like a box-to-box Mateusz Klich. No links to a natural 10 have emerged yet.
The players will likely be put through plenty of double sessions this week with the focus on tactics as much as fitness.
Time is of the essence, but old heads like Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling can help convey the principles of high-pressing football.
The ageing servants could play second fiddle to younger prospects next season, but their lived experience will still be crucial to a promotion push.
The defensive duo were regularly praised by Bielsa for their spirit and leadership and even when injured they were ever-present in the changing room.
Leeds United will begin their season at home to Cardiff City on Sunday, August 6th and are currently 7/1 to win the Championship.
