Andy Gray stunned by what Richard Keys told him on-air about Daniel Farke sack news
Daniel Farke is currently preparing his Leeds United side to face Bristol City in their bid to become champions of the Championship.
Having earned promotion, Leeds can now gloss their season with a 100-point total by overcoming play-off-chasing Bristol City (28 April) and then relegation-doomed Plymouth Argyle on the final day.
However, Farke has seen his spotlight defined this week not just by his promotion, but by the emerging reports that 49ers Enterprises are considering replacing him with what they would perceive to be a Premier League-standard upgrade.
Farke news from Keys stuns Gray live on air
Leeds United fans and external supporters and media alike have seen their opinions divided on Farke’s future.
Many believe he has worked his way to deserving a chance to guide a hopefully heavily-funded Leeds team in the Premier League; others acknowledge his measly record at the top level across his spell with Norwich City.
The Whites appear to be building an ambitious project under 49ers Enterprises, who are leaving no stone unturned in their bid for success having taken control at Elland Road nearly two years ago.
Farke risks falling victim to their lofty goals, as discussed by Richard Keys and Andy Gray live on beIN Sports on Saturday (26 April).
Keys told Gray on the Qatar-based channel that Leeds were considering sacking the German, to which the former Scotland striker responded in shock.
“[There is] talk of Daniel Farke being fired by Leeds,” Keys revealed to his co-host.
“What?! Come on…”, instantly replied Gray.
Keys continued: “The speculation is that he’s done his job, he’s got them back. But Leeds, and the 49ers and those who are influential in making decisions at Elland Road, remember that he took Norwich up twice…”
“And went straight back down again”, Gray finished.
Leeds United risk living to regret decision either way
If there is one attribute for which to praise 49ers Enterprises and Paraag Marathe, it is their boldness and bravery.
To take the reins at Leeds United – and potentially soon Rangers, too – and shoulder the responsibility for decisions such as this on Farke means handling a lot of scrutiny.
Whichever way the regime at Elland Road tilt on their manager, they will upset thousands, and many externally will want to be proven right.
| POS | Championship table | PLD | PTS | GD |
| (P) 1 | Burnley | 45 | 97 | +51 |
| (P) 2 | LEEDS UNITED | 44 | 94 | +60 |
It comes as a wealth of pressure from those who live and breathe their club.
For Farke, the remaining remit is simple. Finish the season as champions – easier said than done after Burnley’s thrashing of Queens Park Rangers on Saturday – and work with the hierarchy to build a team capable of sustaining their Premier League status.