Leeds United Confirms Appointment of Ex-Norwich City Manager Daniel Farke

Securing 87 victories in 208 games, Daniel Farke has a proven track record from his time with Norwich City.

Leeds United has confirmed the signing of Daniel Farke, the former Norwich City manager, on a four-year contract. The German, aged 46, managed the Canaries for four years and led them twice to ascend to the Premier League.

After a stint at Borussia Monchengladbach last season, Farke was let go when the Bundesliga team ranked 10th. Leeds United, relegated from the Premier League in the 2022-23 season, had to let go of two managers, and even Sam Allardyce couldn’t prevent their downfall.

Speaking to the club’s website, Farke expressed his humility and understanding of the expectations that come with his appointment. He said, “The key is to foster unity within this club, and my team, the players, and I will strive for that from today. We count on our supporters to back us when needed. I’m eagerly waiting for the season’s first match.”

BBC Radio Leeds’ inaugural interview with Farke is available to listen to.

Farke assumed the role of manager at Carrow Road in June 2017, following his tenure as head coach of Borussia Dortmund reserves. He guided the Canaries to secure the second-tier title in his second full season. Despite landing at the bottom of the Premier League the following season, Farke steered them back up as champions once again.

After a disappointing start to the 2021-22 season, Farke was dismissed in November, shortly after securing their first top-tier win of the season against Brentford.

His subsequent tenure at Russian side Krasnodar was short-lived due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to him not managing a game. He then signed a three-year contract with Monchengladbach last summer.

Leeds United will kick off the Championship season hosting Cardiff on Sunday, 6 August.

As they aim to rebound, Leeds have chosen a manager who has won promotions in two of his three seasons managing English football’s second tier. This is a strategic move to evade another prolonged absence from the top flight.

In 2020, Marcelo Bielsa brought an end to Leeds’ 16-year absence from the Premier League, leading them to victory. Under his management, Leeds finished ninth in the 2020-21 season.

Unfortunately, they struggled the next season. Jesse Marsch replaced Bielsa in February, and Leeds narrowly escaped relegation with a last-day win at Brentford.

The departure of influential players Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively over the summer was felt last season. Despite a promising start with seven points from the first three league games, they couldn’t sustain the momentum. Marsch was dismissed on 5 February, with ex-Watford boss Javi Gracia succeeding him until the season’s end.

Gracia’s stint was brief, and after a series of defeats, he was let go with four games left. The board gambled on Allardyce, but to no avail. Leeds secured only one point from those four games and faced relegation after a crushing 4-1 home defeat by Tottenham on the last day.

Analysis

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

As the newly appointed Leeds United manager, Daniel Farke portrays a blend of humility and confidence, along with a clear-eyed realism.

He understands what it takes to secure a Championship promotion, the toughest of all leagues, he believes. Yet, having achieved this feat twice with Norwich City, Farke’s self-imposed challenge is to secure Leeds United’s place in the Premier League.

The 46-year-old is hopeful that the four-year contract at Elland Road will provide him the resources that were lacking at Carrow Road, to not only gain promotion but also sustain their top-flight status.

Farke needed no persuasion to join the club, the only reassurance he sought was the alignment of “key people – the owners, the board, and the sporting department”.

Though the takeover by San Francisco 49ers Enterprises is yet to receive approval from the English Football League, Farke is keen to take on the role irrespective.

Equipped with the trust from those above him, Farke is determined to instil the same amongst his team. He plans to appeal to their “heads and hearts” to restore a winning mentality.

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More about Daniel Farke Leeds United Appointment

• Leeds United Official Website
• Daniel Farke’s Managerial Career
• Championship Football League
• Leeds United’s Premier League History
• BBC Sports Football