Daniel Farke working under ‘disproportionate pressure’ after Leeds United defeat to Burnley
Adam Pope believes that Daniel Farke is working under “disproportionate pressure” at Leeds United after losing to Burnley but that it comes with the territory at Elland Road.
The Whites fell to their first Championship defeat of the season against their promotion rivals, suffering a 1-0 loss despite having more chances than the Clarets.
It has seen some familiar questions be asked of Farke from the Elland Road faithful but BBC journalist Pope – writing for BBC Sport (18 September) – thinks the pressure is something the German should embrace as he looks to guide the Whites back to the top flight.
He said: “If some Leeds United supporters are applying disproportionate pressure to manager Daniel Farke after a first league defeat of the campaign, despite dominating rivals Burnley, then it comes with the territory I guess.
“Like all Whites managers before him since the club’s golden era, Farke has to work constantly in an overtly stressful environment.”
Daniel Farke under pressure at Leeds United after Burnley loss
The truth of the matter is that the Whites fanbase are expectant and they have every right to be, so when disappointments occur it is natural questions are asked of the manager – even after a start in the league that was generally pretty position.
Back-to-back draws against Portsmouth and West Brom to start the season may have been pretty frustrating but wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City followed to give Leeds a decent return through four matches.
The result against Burnley dampened the enthusiasm, especially given it was a great chance to lay down a marker against a promotion rival, and it was a lack of potency in front of goal that let the home side down as Farke’s side created much more than their promotion rivals.
There is reason to say that it was a lesson in taking your chances for Farke’s side but the manager can’t necessarily be held fully accountable for the defeat, the players have to take their fair share of the blame as well.
After guiding Leeds to the playoff final last campaign, the German should have some credit in the bank ahead of the new campaign, although there are those who will argue his team should have seen out the job to get automatic promotion.
Still, any desire from those who want him sacked this early in the campaign appears to be premature and now is the time to get behind the manager and the team.
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