Chris Sutton defends Daniel Farke as finger of blame pointed at different Leeds United figure
Daniel Farke is under threat of getting sacked by Leeds United, but Chris Sutton doesn’t see why.
Following Leeds’ 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, the Whites are in danger of being relegated from the Premier League.
A gap is starting to form at the bottom of the table, and with Forest thought to be direct relegation rivals, Leeds have damaged their survival chances with the loss.
Farke’s ability to keep Leeds up is now being questioned by many, but Sutton has pointed out why the German coach may be helpless to some extent.
Chris Sutton backs Daniel Farke in ‘long-term’ claim
Farke was employed by Leeds with one mission and one mission only, and that was to get the Whites promoted.
He was able to do that, and will never be forgotten for it, but it’s now becoming clear that Leeds may be forced to experiment with another manager who has a more reputable Premier League reputation.
- Farke has contributed to relegations in both of his last two Premier League campaigns as head coach
- He was relegated with Norwich City during the 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons
- Leeds are currently sitting on 11 points, one point outside the relegation zone
Speaking on Sunday’s BBC Radio 5 Live 606 phone-in show, pundit Sutton defended Farke and questioned if Leeds‘ form is “really his fault?”.
Sutton said: “If Daniel Farke isn’t responsible for the recruitment and his team isn’t performing at the level, is it really his fault?
“It’s difficult enough coming out of the Championship. I like a long-term strategy.”
It’s unfair to say that Leeds didn’t spend heavily in the summer, but it’s what they have done with that money which has been worrying.
- Read more: All 71 words Wayne Rooney said about Leeds United on Match of the Day after Nottingham Forest defeat
Leeds hierarchy need to take a share of the blame
Farke will have had a say in transfers made this summer, as Paraag Marathe will have wanted to sanction the acquisition of players that suited his head coach’s preferences.
Leeds spent over £100m in an attempt to stay in the Premier League, but that figure hasn’t been justified by where the Whites currently are.
Sunderland spent big, just like Leeds, but their transfer model has turned out to be incredibly successful, as the Black Cats look well and truly leagues above the Whites at the moment.
Questions and attention need to turn to Marathe and Co., as they have just as big an influence as Farke for the poor results and performances this season.
There’s little point in hiring someone new if the next man through the doors at LS11 is going to receive the same lack of support as Farke.
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