Once Beşiktaş target Daniel Farke guides Leeds United to Premier League

Daniel Farke, a manager whose name was once circulated in connection with the head coach role at Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş, has successfully steered Leeds United back into the Premier League. This promotion, secured after two seasons in the Championship, represents an impressive managerial hat-trick for the German, marking his third successful campaign leading a team out of the demanding second tier into England's top flight.

When Farke took the reins at Elland Road in July 2023, he indicated that Leeds was a uniquely appealing prospect in the Championship, offering the potential to build something significant. Despite the heartbreak of a play-off final defeat in his first season, he has now fulfilled his objective, preparing to lead Leeds in the Premier League.

The achievement is particularly commendable given the squad upheaval last summer, which saw influential players like Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter depart. Despite these significant exits, Leeds continued their evolution, leveraging smart recruitment, including successful loan signings such as Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell, alongside impactful permanent additions like Ao Tanaka and Jayden Bogle.

Under Farke, Leeds have re-established a strong defensive foundation while evolving their attacking play. While individual flair from players like Dan James (who significantly elevated his goal and assist contributions) remained important, the emphasis shifted towards a cohesive collective effort. This tactical approach, characterized by a dominant, often suffocating, possession game, allowed Leeds to consistently accumulate points and wear down opponents throughout the season. Elland Road, in particular, became a formidable fortress, with the team tasting defeat at home only once.

The ironic chant of "Leeds are falling apart again," often used by rival fans, was even embraced by the Leeds faithful this season, highlighting the team's relentless and ultimately successful march towards promotion despite external narratives.

Key periods punctuated their season, with February standing out as a defining month featuring crucial late winners against Sunderland and Sheffield United, a dominant victory against Cardiff, and impressive away performances at Coventry and Watford. While there were minor setbacks, unlike the previous season, Farke's side demonstrated newfound composure to navigate these wobbles and stay on course.

Farke's consistent track record of targeting an average of two points per game for promotion underscores his strategic approach, and his ability to achieve this points tally again warrants immense credit. Since his arrival, he has brought a sense of calm authority and strong leadership to Leeds, a club deeply embedded in its community with passionate fans and high expectations.

 

He has successfully managed the intense emotions surrounding the club, making tough decisions, such as temporarily dropping goalkeeper Illan Meslier, without causing disruptive fanfare. While not immune to criticism, the tangible result of Premier League promotion after two seasons undeniably validates his methods.

Farke has consistently stated his ambition to not only promote Leeds but also to establish them as a sustainable force in the Premier League. His previous experience at Norwich City, where limited resources hindered their top-flight longevity after promotion, contrasts with the situation at Leeds.

With ambitious owners committed to developing the club, including plans for a significant expansion of Elland Road's capacity to become one of England's largest stadiums, Farke has a much stronger platform for achieving long-term success. A crucial summer of recruitment lies ahead, but Farke sees this as a long-term project, driven by the challenge of building a lasting legacy at Elland Road and making a significant impact back in the Premier League.