Leeds United staff ‘cringed’ as Daniel Farke gave 49ers chief Paraag Marathe ‘order’ at Thorp Arch
Paraag Marathe “loved it” when Daniel Farke insisted a meeting with the new Leeds United chairman would have to fit in around his training schedule, according to the Daily Mail.
The German was appointed prior to the 49ers takeover from Andrea Radrizzani had been made official after the club were forced to abandon plans to wait for EFL ratification in order to get the former Norwich boss in for preseason training.
Whites staff reportedly “cringed” when the manager told Marathe he would need to fit in with his timings after the buy-out was completed, but the American was apparently delighted by the focus, along with Farke’s longer-term ambitions.
According to Mike Keegan in The Mail: “The German told them he was determined not to become known as a Championship specialist and that he wanted an opportunity to go into the top flight armed with the resources needed to succeed.
“That struck a chord. As did his work upon his arrival. Following the takeover Marathe asked to speak to the new manager and his players and was told he was welcome to do so, but would have to fit his introduction around the team’s intense schedule.
“Some in the building cringed at that – given that the man who now effectively runs the show was being given an order. By all accounts Marathe loved it.”
Good start
It is easy to overanalyse small details before an official game has been played with the new hierarchy in charge after a summer of change.
The current difficulties in the transfer market are undoubtedly putting a dampener on the optimism the new era has ushered in, and will likely remain a concern up until deadline day unless a slew of new signings suddenly arrive.
But in terms of the attitudes of the key men, and the plans that are already under way, early signs appear to be very encouraging.
Both Farke and Marathe have given the right signals since their arrivals publicly, and by the sounds of it behind the scenes as well.
That will mean nothing if the season doesn’t get off the ground on the pitch but until the new campaign kicks off is at least a positive sign.
And after a season which saw the Radrizzani-Victor Orta axis preside over a chaotic relegation with four different managers taking games the perception that there are more reliable figures in charge is a relief for Whites fans.
Personnel issues look like they are going to be key over the next few weeks, as the loan release clauses that seem to be an unwelcome gift from the previous regime hamper efforts to strengthen the squad.
If Marathe and his new appointee Gretar Steinsson can find a way to provide Farke what he needs to make a run at a third Championship title then positive early signals can start to be translated into reality.
In other Leeds United news, a BBC pundit has already predicted the manager will win the league this season.