The 49ers deserve immense credit for season-defining Leeds United call
Leeds United have watched their season transform in a matter of weeks, and it’s all thanks to one key decision.
The Whites have pieced together a four-match unbeaten run, including impressive wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, while drawing against Liverpool and Brentford.
Daniel Farke was faced with the sack at Leeds before their incredible run of eight points from a possible 12, with the West Yorkshire side climbing six points clear of the relegation zone.
Farke’s job at Leeds is now safe, and it is fair to say he’s proved many doubters wrong following their remarkable turnaround.
The 49ers deserve praise for not sacking Daniel Farke
The catalyst of their recent purple patch came from Farke’s decision to switch to a 3-5-2 formation, and as a result, transform Dominic Calvert-Lewin into a goal machine.
Calvert-Lewin has scored six goals in his previous five matches, including a brace against Crystal Palace last time out, to take his season tally to seven.
The Englishman is one of several who is enjoying his football at Elland Road, and that could have been the opposite if the 49ers pulled the plug on the German’s position.
It was reported at the start of December that back-to-back defeats would have seen Leeds sack Farke, but of course, a draw and a win saved his skin.
That isn’t the only time the 49-year-old has been on the brink of exiting West Yorkshire, as pressure was placed on the owners to dismiss him even earlier.
Luckily, the 49ers allowed him precious time to turn the tide, and they’re now reaping the benefits when someone like Gary O’Neil could have destroyed their chances of survival.
Daniel Farke’s worrying January transfer comment
Thanks to Farke’s tactical masterclass and his players rising to the occasion, the Whites now have breathing space in the fight against relegation.
Of course, Leeds aren’t out of the woods just yet, but they are closer to 10th position (five points) than the bottom three (six points), and that bodes well for attracting talent in January.
- Leeds spent over £100million in the summer
- The Whites brought 10 new players to Elland Road
- Leeds may be forced to shop in the loan market due to PSR concerns
The Peacocks arguably need to invest in multiple positions – despite spending over £100m in the summer – but what Farke said about Leeds’ January plans won’t fill supporters with confidence.
“I think the January market is difficult. I’m very picky in January, and for that you need many things to come together,” the German said in a recent press conference.
“We always have to stay awake, and if we find an addition that we think will make our group available, then we will be open to it.”
PSR concerns are the main reason heavy investment is looking unlikely, but a few quality additions are necessary to avoid dropping into the bottom three, and Farke must show more urgency.
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