Source close to Angus Kinnear shares Daniel Farke Leeds United manager development as ‘concerns’ emerge
Daniel Farke is “very, very close” to the Leeds United job but there are concerns among him and his prospective backroom staff over the structure at the club, according to Conor McGilligan.
The Whites are thought to finally be closing in on making a new managerial appointment three weeks after it was announced Sam Allardyce was leaving by mutual consent on 2 June.
Phil Hay reports in The Athletic (23 June) that interviews have been ongoing this week, but while there have been some suggestions that the process is heading towards Patrick Vieira McGilligan says “that is not a done deal” and ex-Norwich boss Farke is very much central to proceedings.
The Reach PLC journalist said on the One Leeds Fan Channel on YouTube (22 June, 35s): “From what I’ve been told today from someone who is close to Angus Kinnear I wanted to give you guys a little bit of an update on what is happening with Daniel Farke.
“From what I’ve been told he’s still massively in the mix. Leeds have been talking to him all week… he’s very, very close.
“Farke is very aware of the structural side of things at Leeds United, in terms of the ownership model and who’s where…
“He’s very aware of it but he’s not completely sold on it from what I’m told… I think he needs a bit of clarity there. Also I think he’s got quite a big backroom staff and I think some of them have expressed concerns as well about how Leeds are in the background, in terms of have they got everything absolutely bang on yet?
“It’s not a foregone conclusion but from what I’ve been told they are still in advanced negotiations with him, but there’s a few things that Farke’s not sure about.”
Glacial
Farke wouldn’t be the only one with a few doubts about the structure at Leeds United, as there will be plenty of fans who feel the same this summer.
The situation has certainly improved in the past few weeks since the sale from Andrea Radrizzani to the 49ers was finally agreed.
But with little time to get in a permanent replacement for Victor Orta when the focus has necessarily been on the manager, Nick Hammond has been appointed on a short-term basis.
That in itself may prove to be a sensible move for now, but the ongoing delay in choosing the next manager is only kicking multiple cans down the road in terms of preparing for a promotion push.
After failing to get the right man three times since sacking Marcelo Bielsa it is clearly right to be sure before making a fourth appointment, but if it is to be Farke he could perhaps have been convinced at least a week ago when it became clear Brendan Rodgers wasn’t interested.
The German seems like a sensible option given his success in the Championship at Carrow Road, so if the chaotic scene he is being asked to rescue is putting him off it will be yet another reason why so many of the questions that are still only now being answered should have been resolved before the season concluded.
If the source close to Kinnear is right the club need to find a way to put Farke’s doubts to rest and get this one over the line.
In other Leeds United news, an unexpected third name has been added to the conversation according to a BBC journalist.