Daniel Farke reveals hidden talent as Leeds boss opens up on what he wants to do next
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed that he’d like to become a writer in the future.
Farke has proven to have been a shrewd appointment by Leeds in the summer of 2023, with the German guiding the Whites back to the Premier League by winning the Championship last season.
With his side currently sitting 15th in the top flight, three points above the relegation zone, his work at Elland Road is far from done yet.
Talks over a contract extension for him have been shelved until the end of the season, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027.
However, should he keep Leeds in the Premier League this term, he’s sure to be the coach who Elland Road decision-makers put their trust in to lead them up the table further moving forward.
Why Leeds manager Daniel Farke wants to be a writer
Farke has always been a slightly eccentric figure, with that blend of German humour, animated touchline antics and infectious personality making any league brighter for having him in it.
Therefore, it probably won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the 49-year-old began writing a novel in his early twenties, as detailed by a feature piece from The Times.
However, he abandoned the project after admitting to himself that nobody would be interested in hearing his philosophical thoughts on life, which we for one would actually disagree with.
But, in a recent interview via TNT Sports, Farke was asked if he had any hidden talents, and in a clear sign that this fire for writing was still lit inside of him, he didn’t hesitate to bring up this passion of his.
“I wanted to become a writer, myself. I really tried to write books when I was younger, and the fire was burning,” Farke began.
“So, just due to my love of literature and to read a lot, so this is still something – I wouldn’t say I’m unbelievably talented, otherwise I probably would have already sold a few books.
“But this is one of the hidden talents perhaps.” Farke was then asked if he would write fiction or non-fiction if he could choose, to which he responded: “I think it would be non-fiction.
“Perhaps also a bit like some thoughts about life in general. I think it would be more or less a Roman in this terms, but not too boring!”
Farke’s managerial story would be an excellent read
Starting his managerial career in the German sixth tier with SV Lippstadt, to reaching the heights of the Premier League with both Norwich and Leeds, Farke’s coaching journey has been a fascinating one.
Two seasons in charge of Borussia Dortmund II – their second/reserve team – followed his six-year spell with Lippstadt, before Norwich took a big gamble on him in the summer of 2017.
It paid off though, as he won two promotions to the Premier League at Carrow Road, winning the league on both occasions, but was ultimately never able to solidify the Canaries’ place in the top flight.
From there, brief spells with Krasnodar and Borussia Monchengladbach followed before becoming Leeds manager in July 2023, and 136 games in charge later, he welcomes his former side Norwich to Elland Road in the FA Cup on Sunday for 137.
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