Daniel Farke will know by now how precarious his position is as manager of Leeds United.
The German guided the Elland Road team to the Premier League last season with a remarkable finish to the EFL Championship, which saw both Leeds and Burnley finish on 100 points. It was an exciting season with supporters dreaming of how well their team would do in the top flight.
However, at the time of writing, things have gone from bad to worse for the Whites this season and the club sit 18th in the division and in the relegation zone after bad result after bad result. The quality of Farke’s men’s performances has also been criticized at times, and the coach is on a high.
Some believe Farke’s position as manager at Leeds is untenable and resignations have been handed in by sections of the support who have seemingly had enough. But the boss remains on site and has at least one more chance to save his job.
You would think that another defeat – depending on the score and results – would spell the end for the 49-year-old and that there would be other managers circling the Leeds job if the boardroom decides to act. However, it could be seen as a bit harsh if Farke is thrown out this weekend, knowing who his opponents are. Leeds take on Manchester City at the Etihad and it could certainly be an easier game for the visitors on what could be a huge day for their coach.
That said, there are some factors to consider that could work in Farke’s favor. That is why we at FootballBlog have delved into these elements, so that you do not…
Farke’s managerial record against Man City
In what may be a surprising clash, the Leeds boss has held his own well enough against the Citizens over the years. That doesn’t mean he has a perfect track record, there aren’t many bosses who do that. But the years of City’s dominance and Farke’s struggles with both Leeds and previously Norwich City mean his performance is not too bad.
From just three games against Pep Guardiola’s men, Farke is averaging one point per game, having won once and lost twice.
Granted, that may still seem like a point against the man, but all things considered, it’s quite a hit. Two 5-0 defeats to the club were clearly far from ideal in the 2020 and 2021 fixtures. But a 3-2 win before that in 2019 came at Carrow Road as Farke and Norwich ended City’s incredible 18-match unbeaten run.
That was an afternoon when his side were ravaged by injury and Farke claimed he could not park the bus because he did not have enough fit defenders. But the intensity with which his side played that day won them the points and he will desperately hope his struggling Leeds boys do the same.
Man City is having a hard time
Guardiola’s City have fallen off the bike in recent weeks, with some poor results that have seen them slip ever so slightly down the Premier League table. They have relied heavily on Erling Haaland, which has cost them when the big Norwegian needed rest. They now sit third in the division and are seven points behind leaders Arsenal, who are flourishing.
Even Chelsea have overtaken the Sky Blues, who lost their most recent league match against Newcastle United thanks to a double from Scotland’s World Cup player Harvey Barnes. City have already been beaten four times in the EPL this season, which will at least give Leeds something to work for.
The defeat in the Champions League has also recently come – also at home – against Bayer Leverkusen and Farke will have been taking notes.
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