Daniel Farke is determined to shed the label of a ‘trampoline manager’ as he prepares for Leeds United’s return to the Premier League. The German head coach, who has achieved three promotions to the top flight only to suffer two immediate relegations with Norwich, is focused on ensuring his latest bounce does not end in a swift fall back to the Championship.
Leeds kick off their campaign on Monday night against Everton at a sold-out Elland Road. Farke acknowledges the challenge but insists his side’s mindset is to win. He has spent the summer building a taller, tougher team, with eight new signings averaging over 6ft 2in. Set-piece prowess and physicality are central to his plans after last season’s cautionary tale of Southampton’s flawed approach.
Despite recent history, club chairman Paraag Marathe has backed Farke, declaring ‘He’s my man’. Farke remains committed to leaving Leeds in a better place, stating: ‘I want to keep this club in the promised land. It’s a club which belongs in the Premier League.’ His faith in controlled possession is now tempered with pragmatism.
In attack, Farke has gambled on injury-prone strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, replacing Patrick Bamford. Calvert-Lewin, signed from Everton, is seen as a chance to revive his career. ‘The key is not to be over-motivated,’ Farke said. ‘If we build his fitness step by step, he can be outstanding.’ However, he admits more attacking reinforcements are needed, particularly a winger after Manor Solomon’s departure.
