The pressure on Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has intensified dramatically following a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, a result that saw the club slip into the Premier League's relegation zone.
This loss marks a fifth defeat in just six league games for the Whites, casting serious doubt over the German's long-term future at Elland Road. Despite securing promotion from the Championship last season, Farke's Premier League record remains a significant concern for the club's hierarchy.
Farke's Precarious Position
Speculation over Farke's position has been simmering since before the campaign began, and the recent poor run of form has brought it to a boil. The statistics make for grim reading: across 61 Premier League matches in charge of various clubs, Farke has managed only nine wins, ten draws, and a staggering 42 losses.
The decision facing the club's owners now appears to hinge on whether a suitable replacement can be found. With the threat of relegation looming large, a change in leadership is being seriously considered.
Five Contenders for the Elland Road Hot Seat
Should Leeds United decide to part ways with Farke, several high-profile names are already being linked with the vacancy. Here are five potential candidates who could be in the frame to take over.
Carlos Corberán
The former Leeds assistant manager is a familiar face at Elland Road and has been consistently mentioned as a potential successor. Corberán is currently in charge of La Liga side Valencia, though he has found the going tough this season, with the club sitting 15th after 13 games.
His previous experience managing Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion in England is a mark in his favour. However, Leeds would need to pay compensation to release him from his contract in Spain.
Marco Rose
Currently out of work since leaving RB Leipzig in March, the German manager represents an option that would not require a compensation fee. Rose has an impressive CV, having also managed Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Red Bull Salzburg.
His past associations with the club's part-owners could work in his favour, though his lack of experience in English football may be a consideration for the board.
Brendan Rodgers
If proven Premier League pedigree is what Leeds are after, then Brendan Rodgers could be a compelling candidate. The Northern Irishman famously came close to winning the title with Liverpool and later guided Leicester City to an FA Cup triumph and European qualification.
However, his tenures at both clubs ended with his dismissal, and he is currently without a job after leaving Celtic in October. His track record is a mix of notable highs and abrupt endings.
Thiago Motta
Another manager currently available, Motta left Juventus in March after less than a year in charge. He earned that prestigious role by masterminding Bologna's remarkable qualification for the Champions League the previous season.
Intriguingly, it has been reported that Motta models his tactical approach on the high-intensity style of former Leeds favourite Marcelo Bielsa, a philosophy that would likely be welcomed back with open arms by the Elland Road faithful.
Ange Postecoglou
Postecoglou offers another dose of Premier League experience, albeit from a brief and difficult spell at Nottingham Forest. His commitment to an attacking, front-foot brand of football is reminiscent of the Bielsa era and could appeal to the club's identity.
Appointing him would nonetheless be a risk, as implementing his system takes time, and Leeds' immediate priority is to swiftly climb away from the relegation places.
A Critical Decision for Leeds
The coming days and weeks will be crucial for Leeds United. The club's owners must weigh the loyalty to the manager who achieved promotion against the stark reality of their current league position. The choice of a potential successor, should they make a change, will be one of the most significant decisions they face this season.
