Credit: Imago/Matt Jarvis on LinkedIn

James Barker

Sun 24 May 2026 20:40, UK

Matt Jarvis has spoken of his time playing under Leeds United boss Daniel Farke at Norwich City, describing his methods as “relentless”.

Jarvis, a tricky midfield player in his heyday, was with Norwich from 2015 to 2019, spending a few years playing under Farke at Carrow Road.

Injuries largely robbed Jarvis of much playing time under the German, but he was still able to get an extended first-hand look at how the now-Leeds gaffer worked.

Since being appointed as Whites manager in the summer of 2023, Farke has been a divisive figure amongst the Elland Road faithful despite his Championship promotion and Premier League success in 2025-26.

Farke’s future as Leeds manager remains up in the air going into the summer, as he reaches a contract crossroads with the 49ers.

What did Matt Jarvis say about Daniel Farke?

Farke will reportedly discuss his future with the 49ers now that the 2025-26 season has concluded, which ended in a disappointing final day defeat to West Ham.

Still, it’s been a hugely encouraging debut campaign back in the top flight for Leeds, finishing 14th and eight points above the relegation zone, as well as reaching an FA Cup semi-final.

Farke always cuts an animated and passionate figure on the touchline, but is often a softly spoken and relaxed individual when giving interviews and speaking to the press.

However, what the fans don’t always get to see is how he works his players on the training ground, and the mentality that he carries into his coaching in this regard.

Peeling back the curtain on Farke in this respect on Sunday, Jarvis told of his time playing under him at Norwich to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra via BBC Sport.

“I was with Daniel Farke at Norwich and he is relentless in his pursuit of what he wants,” the former player-turned pundit said.

“Even when Norwich had won the league he was still doing his double sessions every week, even though the season was done.

“That is how he sets up and that is why Leeds are still trying to win and do what they need to do. That is down to the manager.”

Should Leeds stick or twist with Farke this summer?

With only one-year left on his Leeds contract, Elland Road chiefs along with Farke have some big decisions to make in the near future.

Do the 49ers believe he’s the man to lead the Whites into a bright Premier League future, and does the 49-year-old feel as though his vision and ambition is being matched at boardroom level?

All of that we’ll soon find out, but if we’re talking strictly about on-field performances and results from this past season, then without doubt Farke deserves to be offered fresh terms.

He’s shown a willingness to change from his 4-2-3-1 to a back three, which has largely worked wonders for the team and has helped to get more out of certain players.

They’ve been within 90 minutes of an FA Cup final, ended the term losing just one of their final nine league games, and what about some of the results along the way?

Beating Man United at Old Trafford, drawing away at Chelsea as well as beating them at home, drawing twice with Liverpool and drawing away at Aston Villa respectively.

Farke has been able to construct the nucleus of a very talented and promising team that he can take to greater heights yet, and he should absolutely be afforded the chance to do so.