Phil Hay reveals what Leeds United players have heard about Daniel Farke on ‘footballing grapevine’
Leeds United players have heard “positive things” about Daniel Farke on the “footballing grapevine”, according to the Athletic’s Phil Hay.
The Whites confirmed Farke as their new manager on Tuesday (4 July), after weeks of speculation he was to assume control at Elland Road.
Hay said the club were impressed by how Farke sold his vision and that the squad are also said to be happy with the appointment.
“In conversations with him, the club were seduced by his conviction and his ability to present a vision without resorting to the hard sell, a case of accept him as he was or choose someone else,” Hay wrote in the Athletic.
“In keeping with his reputation, he mapped out plans for aggressive, possession-based football, aided by a good high press.
“Leeds knew from (Marcelo) Bielsa’s lauded reign that Farke’s style – if it clicked as advertised – was likely to be popular with their supporters. Some in the dressing room had heard positive things about him on the footballing grapevine too. His standing was solid.”
A good match
It has not been the happiest of few months for Leeds, who suffered relegation, have gone through the mill with the takeover of the club by 49ers Enterprises and, until now, had been without a manager.
But slowly but surely the pieces are starting to fit. The takeover looks set to be ratified anytime now, and importantly they have a new manager in place – one with an extremely impressive record in the Championship.
Farke twice took Norwich City to the Premier League as champions, playing an attractive brand of football in doing so. Will he ever match the popularity Marcelo Bielsa achieved at Elland Road? It’s hard to believe anyone will achieve that level of acclaim.
Having said that, they have a manager who will look to play attacking football and who knows how to get out of this league. There is plenty of work to do but this looks an excellent appointment on the surface.
In other Leeds United news, a breakthrough has emerged in the club’s takeover.