Leeds United backed for ‘outstanding’ Daniel Farke appointment amid ‘alarm bells’ with Patrick Vieira
Daniel Farke is the “outstanding choice” for Leeds United compared to fellow interviewees Scott Parker and Patrick Vieira, according to Dean Jones.
The German, who left Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of last season, is now expected to be finalised as the man at Elland Road, with the club apparently waiting on EFL ratification of the 49ers takeover before making an announcement.
And with his record in the Championship, compared to the style of football of ex-Fulham and Bournemouth boss Parker, and the short-term switches seen in former Crystal Palace and Nice manager Vieira’s recent history, two-time league winner with Norwich Farke is seen as the top option from the trio who made it to the interview process [The Athletic, 23 June]
Former Eurosport journalist Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I have to say, of the candidates out there, I think he is the outstanding choice in comparison to Patrick Vieira and Scott Parker. Vieira just hasn’t been able to stay in a job for more than two years and that would have alarm bells ringing for me.
“Palace were heading down with him as manager and in the end they almost finished midtable.
“So, I think that speaks for itself. Parker, he’d probably do a decent job in the Championship, but it wouldn’t be entertaining and it’s unlikely that he’d survive in the Premier League if they got there.”
Obvious choice?
If the club want a man who knows how to be a success in the English second tier it is difficult to argue with appointing Farke, as two Championship title wins and a Manager of the Season award are not bad going in terms of past achievements.
His time in Germany last season wasn’t a roaring success but hasn’t damaged his reputation in the same way that Parker’s miserable short stint with Club Brugge appears to, despite the ex-England midfielder twice taking sides up to the Premier League himself.
Neither manager did much in the top flight, which might be a concern, but while Parker’s sacking at Bournemouth early in the campaign just gone was put into some context by Gary O’Neil’s work there is a feeling Farke was on a hiding to nothing in terms of investment when at Carrow Road.
That O’Neil was backed in the January transfer window is probably relevant, but since he has now been fired himself in favour of another Leeds United candidate Andoni Iraola it hasn’t made much difference ultimately.
Vieira’s managerial career is harder to judge, as his successful stint with New York City FC was followed by moderate performances at Nice and Palace.
As one of the few high-profile Black managers in top level European football the fact that he hasn’t lasted long in either of his last two jobs arguably says might be relevant to a wider discussion, as a 12th-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final at Selhurst Park in his first season is a reasonable record.
And the fact that he was replaced by Roy Hodgson on the back of a long winless run last season just as the fixtures were looking easier could be considered particularly unfortunate timing for the former Arsenal captain.
But of the three known options for the job at Elland Road he is the only one without experience in the English second tier, and Farke looks on the face of things to be the best option for a promotion push.
In other Leeds United news, personal terms have been agreed for another first-team exit but an unexpected fee will be involved in what was reported to be a free transfer.