Daniel Farke facing Leeds United civil war as touchline incident highlights heightened internal pressure

News
By published

Leeds United slipped into the Premier League's relegation zone over the weekend with pressure mounting on Daniel Farke

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Image credit: Getty Images)

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke continues to face pressure at Elland Road after a fan attempted to confront him in the dugout.

Farke saw the Whites slip to a fifth defeat in six games as Morgan Rogers' double cancelled out Lukas Nmecha's early opener to give Aston Villa all three points in West Yorkshire on Sunday afternoon.

Daniel Farke says fans should consider Brenden Aaronson's 'mental health'

Leeds fans have been confused as to why Brenden Aaronson remains part of their starting XI

Leeds fans have been confused as to why Brenden Aaronson remains part of their starting XI (Image credit: Getty Images)

As reported by MailSport an angry supporter attempted to speak to Farke during their clash with Villa over the weekend, before being apprehended by security.

There is growing concern over the German's capabilities to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season, and his comments post-match have fanned the flames with some supporters.

Daniel Farke will ring the changes against West Ham

Daniel Farke is under pressure to keep Leeds in the Premier League (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Due to the value I have for Dan James and Willy Gnonto, I am always thinking about them," said the former Norwich boss, when asked why he didn't start the pair.

"If I use one of them, I have to leave out either [Noah] Okafor or [Brenden] Aaronson. Okafor, offensive-wise, he takes players on and scores goals. Defensive-wise [he] needs to improve. I was not tempted to play Willy today. On [the] other side, Brenden is a player who polarises. [He] can be annoying for myself, given he is not straightforward and hectic.

"But I have to say when we criticise this man - we don't have to do these mental health days anymore. If everyone on his back, if he works his socks off, relentless. [You] can criticise his performances, but right now, it's unfair.

"He was there covering 13k per game. Why we're looking so solid on our right side is because of him, with respect to [Jayden] Bogle. Last home game, he was man of the match. [He got a] standing ovation after that.

Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United is playing during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Millwall at Elland Road in Leeds, on March 17, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Leeds fans are frustrated by Willy Gnonto's lack of inclusions (Image credit: Getty Images)

There is also internal pressure too, as FourFourTwo understands not all investors within the 49ers Enterprises stable were convinced of Farke's Premier League credentials, hence talk of him being replaced during the summer.

Instead, Leeds and their owners decided to stick with the 49-year-old, but for how long remains to be seen. Fans are anxious over the team's form and fixtures to come, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Brentford up next.

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.