Mourinho ‘definitely’ approached by Leeds United to replace Farke – Richard Keys
Joe Mourinho was linked with replacing Daniel Farke at Leeds United, something Richard Keys believes is a fact.
49ers Enterprises were considering changing managers at Elland Road after winning Premier League promotion due to his record with Norwich City in the top flight.
Rumours swirled that Mourinho was one of the candidates for the top job at Elland Road, but Paraag Marathe has ended speculation about Farke’s future by publicly backing him.
The 49ers’ chief may now have faith in the German manager, but it’s been claimed that the Whites wanted a change in the dugout.
Marathe offered Mourinho manager role at Leeds United
Mourinho was offered Farke’s job at the West Yorkshire outfit, Keys says.
The English presenter knows “for a fact” that Marathe started the speculation around the former Norwich boss’ future by making an approach for the Portuguese head coach.
Keys revealed that the 49ers’ chief was unable to convince the former Madrid manager that the Peacocks wouldn’t be fighting relegation next season, and the job was turned down.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 52 | 32 | 12 | 8 |
The veteran sports reporter wrote on his blog (5 May): “Leeds’ chairman Marathe is quite pleased with himself after publicly backing Daniel Farke ‘, I have ended the speculation’, he said. ‘He is my man’.
“What he’s not saying is he started the speculation by offering Farke’s job to Jose Mourinho. I know that for a fact. It was Mourinho who actually ended the speculation by turning the offer down.
“It was a smart move by Marathe. Mourinho would’ve set Elland Road alight, and the PL is always better when he’s working in it.
“Sadly, Marathe couldn’t convince Mourinho that Leeds won’t be fighting a relegation battle next season. That’s not something the Special One wants. Perhaps he’s right. Perhaps he agrees with Wenger, but it’s a pity.”
Farke to be disappointed with Elland Road drama
Farke deserved to stay at Elland Road after winning the Championship title in the current campaign.
The German manager didn’t deserve to be uncertain about his future at the West Yorkshire outfit despite his patchy top-flight record with Norwich.
Instead of considering replacing the 48-year-old head coach, the hierarchy should’ve focused on reinforcing the Whites’ squad ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Leeds must build a squad capable of surviving an immediate drop from the Premier League.
It doesn’t matter whether Mourinho is in the dugout if the Peacocks don’t have the right personnel to deal with the rigours of the top flight.
The Portuguese boss has been one of the best managers in the world over the years, but his time certainly seems to have passed.
The ex-Real Madrid head coach is at Fenerbahce right now after disappointing stints at Manchester United and Tottenham in recent years.
With Farke now surely destined to start the season at the West Yorkshire outfit, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be given the tools to be a success.