LEEDS UNITED HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT TO SACK FARKE AND APPOINT EX PL MANAGER AS NEW COACH.

In a dramatic twist at Elland Road, Leeds United’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday night has failed to save manager Daniel Farke from the axe. Despite the Whites delivering their most convincing performance of the season—climbing out of the relegation zone with goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin—the club’s hierarchy has pulled the trigger on a swift managerial change. The decision, reached in a high-level meeting shortly after the final whistle, underscores the mounting pressure on the 49ers Enterprises-owned outfit amid a turbulent Premier League campaign.

Farke’s tenure, which began with a triumphant Championship title and promotion last season, has unraveled spectacularly in the top flight. Leeds entered the Chelsea clash on a four-game losing streak, sitting 18th with just 11 points from 13 matches. The German’s pragmatic style, once hailed for its Championship efficacy, has drawn criticism for lacking the attacking flair needed to compete against Premier League heavyweights. Fan frustration boiled over in recent weeks, with chants of discontent echoing during the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City just days prior. Sources close to the club reveal that senior figures, including co-owner Paraag Marathe, had set an ultimatum: positive results against Chelsea and the upcoming Liverpool fixture were non-negotiable. Even as Bijol’s thunderous header in the sixth minute and Tanaka’s stunning long-range strike set the tone for a dominant first half—followed by Calvert-Lewin’s opportunistic finish after Pedro Neto’s brief Chelsea comeback—the board remained unmoved.

The sacking, confirmed internally late Wednesday, ends Farke’s 18-month stint with 42 wins from 82 games. It’s a bittersweet farewell; the victory over Enzo Maresca’s Blues—marred by defensive lapses from Tosin Adarabioyo and a suspended Moises Caicedo—hinted at untapped potential in the squad. Yet, with fixtures against Liverpool and Brentford looming, the 49ers prioritized stability over sentiment. “Results haven’t matched the effort, but change is necessary for survival,” one insider noted, echoing the club’s January transfer ambitions bolstered by stadium redevelopment funds.

Enter the new era: Leeds have reached an agreement to appoint an ex-Premier League manager as Farke’s successor, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano breaking the news on X. “Despite win against Chelsea, he won’t be in charge of next match. Fabrizio Romano confirms the new man has arrived in London now. Official announcement to follow ,” Romano posted, sending shockwaves through Yorkshire. Speculation has swirled around candidates like Gary O’Neil—freshly available after his 2024 Wolves exit and favored by bookmakers at even money—and Ange Postecoglou, the European-winning tactician sacked by Tottenham earlier this season. O’Neil’s track record in keeping mid-table sides afloat aligns with Leeds’ survival bid, while Postecoglou’s high-pressing philosophy could ignite Elland Road’s passionate support.

As the dust settles, Leeds faithful brace for an official reveal, hoping the incoming boss injects the steel required to defy relegation odds. One name, however, lingers in the ether: Brendan Rodgers. The former Leicester and Liverpool maestro, linked intermittently amid the chaos, brings a pedigree of domestic triumphs and tactical nous that could transform Leeds’ fortunes. With his Celtic chapter closed and availability confirmed, Rodgers’ potential arrival would cap a whirlwind 24 hours—offering not just respite, but genuine ambition. Watch this space; Elland Road awaits its next chapter.