Is Daniel Farke Getting the Respect He Deserves at Leeds United?
Image from @officialdanielfarke
When Daniel Farke took over as Leeds United head coach in 2023, the mood around the club was bleak. Fresh from relegation and surrounded by off-field uncertainty, Leeds were a club with more questions than answers. Now, two seasons later, Farke has not only delivered promotion but also brought structure and calm to a side that had completely lost its way.
Despite that, I’m not sure he gets the full appreciation he deserves from the fanbase. And that’s what this report is about—not just what he’s done, but how much credit he’s actually getting for it.
What Farke Stepped Into
Let’s not downplay it-Farke walked into an absolute disaster. The squad was falling apart, key players were activating loan clauses, and the club was still dealing with the aftershocks of poor recruitment and failed leadership at the top.
A lot of managers would have waited for a safer job. Farke didn’t - he stepped up as a leader. He committed from day one, took on the pressure, and set about restoring order. That alone should’ve earned him more respect.
The Progress on the Pitch
Farke didn’t just steady the ship-he built a team that stormed back into the Premier League.
Here’s what he achieved in two seasons:
• Secured automatic promotion, beating out clubs with bigger budgets and more stable squads.
• Solidified the defence, turning a leaky backline into one of the toughest in the Championship.
• Trusted youth, bringing out the best in players like Archie Gray and elevating others like Rutter and Summerville.
• Kept a clear identity, with a tactical system based on control, discipline, and attacking intent.
People sometimes forget how hard it is to play attractive football and still get results in the Championship. Farke managed both-and did it while dealing with constant injuries, transfer chaos, and pressure from the board.
Why Does He Still Feel Underrated?
I think part of the issue is that Farke is quiet. He’s not one for big statements or emotional press conferences. He’s calm, often reserved, and doesn’t feed into the drama that usually surrounds Leeds.
He’s not Bielsa-and that matters to some fans. Marcelo Bielsa built a deep emotional connection with supporters, and Farke was never going to replicate that bond. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t earned admiration in his own way.
His tactical work often goes unnoticed. When things go right, it’s the players who get the credit. When things go wrong, it’s Farke’s decisions that get questioned. That’s football-but it’s also why he feels underappreciated by some.
Stability in a Club That Has Lacked It In Recent Years
One thing that has stood out to me is how composed Farke has been during all the noise. Leeds United has a reputation for being chaotic-from ownership changes to fan unrest, there’s rarely a quiet week. But Farke hasn’t let that affect the team.
That kind of leadership isn’t always celebrated, but it’s crucial-especially when trying to rebuild a club.
Looking Ahead
Now that Leeds are back in the Premier League, Farke’s biggest challenge lies ahead. He’ll be judged on survival, style, and whether he can compete with teams that have far greater spending power. But no matter what happens next, what he’s already done should never be overlooked.
He brought Leeds back up at the second time of asking—without a full squad, without full support from everyone, and under massive pressure.
What’s next?
Daniel Farke might not have the cult following of some past managers, but there’s still time. He’s done the job Leeds needed. He’s made us competitive again. He’s reintroduced structure and belief. And he’s done it all with class.
Whether all fans fully realise it or not, Leeds are lucky to have him. Hopefully, this season, he gets the appreciation he deserves.
Written by Lucy
