Chris Sutton loves what Leeds United figure has managed, he’s proved everyone wrong
Leeds United are firmly on their way to securing Premier League survival this season.
Leeds drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday, which has turned out to be Ruben Amorim’s last in charge of the Red Devils after he was sacked on Monday.
Brenden Aaronson had put Leeds ahead after 62 minutes, but Matheus Cunha equalised just minutes later, resulting in Stuart Dallas blasting Lucas Perri for his role in the equalising goal.
However, it was still a draw that ensured Leeds’ unbeaten run is now seven games, with the Whites looking to extend that to eight when they travel to Tyneside to take on Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Chris Sutton lauds Daniel Farke for Leeds work
However, it was only at the beginning of December that Daniel Farke was reportedly facing the sack at Leeds, as his team had picked up just two Premier League wins between 20 September and the start of December.
However, ever since he switched to a back three in the second half of Leeds’ 3-2 defeat at Man City on 29 November, performances and results have improved significantly, with that tactical tweak the catalyst to Leeds’ unbeaten run.
And speaking on BBC Sport’s 606 Radio 5 Live football phone in on Sunday, Chris Sutton was keen to stress just how pleased he was for Farke in particular, and believes some of the criticism he’s faced has been unwarranted.
“The run that they’ve been on has been sensational,” Sutton began. “Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a big part of that, even going to Anfield and getting a draw.
“You look more solid at the back, but I’m absolutely delighted for Daniel Farke. I really, really am. I thought that was difficult for him coming into the Premier League with all the pressure, and people saying he can’t manage in the Premier League.
“I’ve spoken before about the squads he had at Norwich. He didn’t have any chance, but I’m really pleased for him.”
Farke can guide Leeds to Premier League top half with 49ers backing
Farke is performing a superb coaching job at Leeds this season, despite a shaky start to the campaign.
Calvert-Lewin is one of the Premier League’s best strikers under him, signings such as Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol have proven inspired additions, and all look set to be key players for the Whites over the next few years.
Meanwhile, he’s also shown that he’s not the tactically stubborn manager who only plays 4-2-3-1 football that some believed he was, with his decision to move to a back three looking like a masterstroke, and provides irrefutable evidence that he’s a very intelligent and pragmatic coach.
- Farke is averaging 1.83 points per game since taking over as Leeds United boss
- He’s only lost 28 of the 125 games he’s managed for the Whites
- Farke’s team’s have scored 229 goals and conceded 132
Therefore, should the 49ers Enterprises continue to back Farke in the transfer market this month and into the summer, then Farke is showing that not only can he be the man to keep Leeds in the Premier League comfortably this season, he’s also capable of pushing the team on towards the top half and potentially even aiming for European football in the not too distant future.
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