Ian Holloway furious over Leeds ‘disgrace’ – ‘How dare someone say that?’
Leeds United are set for a summer of change after winning promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s men looked set to compete in the playoffs when they managed just one in six before beating Middlesbrough 1-0 on 8 April.
But the Whites went on to enjoy back-to-back victories over Preston and Oxford before hammering Stoke 6-0 on Monday.
Leeds’ heavy win over the Potters proved enough to clinch automatic promotion with two games to spare, as out-of-form Sheffield United lost 2-1 to Burnley at Turf Moor.
Ian Holloway fumes at Farke sack news at Leeds
Although Farke has successfully steered the West Yorkshire giants back to the top flight, the 49ers Enterprises are considering sacking the German over his previously poor Premier League record.
The Whites have eyed Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen, who has guided the Norwegian club to the Europa League semi-finals.
Alan Brazil asked Swindon Town boss Ian Holloway live on talkSPORT [24 April, 9.45 am]: “Can you believe it that people are questioning Farke with Leeds United, will he get sacked? Will he now be relieved of his duties, now that Leeds are in the Premier League, because of his past Premier League record? I find it ridiculous.”
Holloway replied: “You’re right, that’s such a disgrace. Daniel’s an absolute gentleman. He’s done a fantastic job, and the clubs he took up weren’t ready. The players aren’t good enough sometimes when you go up. How dare someone say that about him? What a wonderful man.”
| Opponent | Result |
| Middlesbrough (A) | 0-1 W |
| Preston (H) | 2-1 W |
| Oxford (A) | 0-1 W |
| Stoke (H) | 6-0 W |
Farke showed his managerial bravery with Illan Meslier call
While many are questioning Farke’s managerial credentials at Premier League level, including the 49ers, the Whites boss deserves credit for the job he has already done at Elland Road.
The West Yorkshire giants suffered a defeat to Southampton in last season’s Championship playoff final, but have responded well to that setback by clinching automatic promotion this time around.
Farke also showed his strong managerial skills when he decided to drop usual first-choice goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, whose campaign between the sticks had been littered with errors.
But while Meslier has produced a catalogue of errors this term, including in last month’s 2-2 draw with Swansea, the Whites boss was still brave to drop his goalkeeper in favour of Karl Darlow at the business end of the season.
That decision was at least partly responsible for Leeds’ return to good form in recent weeks, while Farke proved he can make difficult choices, and could have what it takes to manage in the Premier League.