Daniel Farke has become a buffer between Leeds United's players and directors, absorbing growing supporter anger as the club slides towards the relegation zone. Speaking ahead of Saturday's daunting trip to Manchester City, the German admitted he is under intense scrutiny but insisted he is unperturbed by the criticism. 'I quite like it that the outside noise is on the manager and not the players,' he said. 'I need to be a leader who stays calm and doesn't think about his own career.'
Five defeats in six Premier League games have left Leeds 18th in the table, and questions are mounting over Farke's position. With a favourable run of fixtures turning into a nightmare – Manchester City away, followed by Chelsea and Liverpool at home – the next week could define his tenure. Farke, however, remains defiant. 'If you can't handle the heat, don't become manager of Leeds United,' he said. 'I never expected this season to be an easy ride.'
The manager's frustration extends to the club's summer recruitment. Despite spending around £100 million on ten new players, Farke's pleas for more attacking quality went unanswered. Key midfield additions Anton Stach (£17m) and Sean Longstaff (£12m) will miss the City clash due to concussion and a calf injury respectively. 'We knew this could happen,' Farke said. 'To finish 17th would be a great success. In the past two years, all promoted sides went straight back down, but I’m confident we can succeed.'
Farke also addressed the treatment of midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who has been heavily criticised by fans. 'Is it really how we want to treat another human being in our society?' he asked. 'We feel better if we can put our anger on another human being; I don’t like it.' Despite the mounting pressure, Farke has the backing of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who holds an 'incredible opinion' of him. Whether that will be enough to save his job remains to be seen.
