Leeds United’s problems are there for all to see after Sunday’s defeat to Aston Villa. A fifth defeat in six games, and even Unai Emery noticed something wrong about Leeds in the second half.
Daniel Farke is under big pressure again. LeedsUnited.News has been told that the 49ers are “constantly assessing” his position at the club. Fans are desperate to see the club announce the German’s exit.
Indeed, supporters in the West Stand screamed “you don’t know what you’re doing” in the gaffer’s direction on Sunday evening after watching Villa come from behind to win. The second game in a row.
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While there is sympathy for Farke regarding the lack of investment in attack during the summer window, fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the German’s in-play approach, and being too reactive.
On Sunday, it took Farke until the 68th minute to make changes, only after Leeds fans had sung “make a sub” in the direction of the dugout. Unai Emery told reporters that Leeds looked tired in the second half.
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One of the criticisms from fans is that Farke is waiting too long to make changes, and by the time he has done so, the game is out of reach for Leeds. Against Forest, that was the case, with Sean Dyche proactive.
Villa’s equaliser came after Emery made changes at half-time and one of those laid on the assist for Rogers’ first goal in Donyell Malen. Leeds did look tired after a big first half; it was crying out for subs.
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Yet Farke pondered, hiding half of his face behind his coat, and watched on until the momentum had swung too far in Villa’s favour for it to be saved. Rogers’ second goal, albeit brilliant, was an inevitability.
Unai Emery said Leeds looked tired:
“We started the match poorly, we didn’t get the rhythm we wanted. We didn’t play to our game plan. In the second half, I think they were getting tired. This win is close. But how we showed our mentality.”
The difference is that Emery noticed something; he could foresee that changes were required, and he had the bravery to do so. It feels like Farke has too much loyalty to his players, giving them more chances.
It happened with Illan Meslier last season, only making the change after mistakes against Hull, Swansea, Sunderland, and Preston. It’s happening with Aaronson now, and it’s happening with his late changes.
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If an opposing manager is saying the team looked tired, then it should be clear as day that Farke needed to make changes, and yet, whether it be his lack of tactical nous or rigidity, he is not doing what’s needed.
If Paraag Marathe is watching or listening to Emery’s comments, then surely he will see them as damning. This isn’t a new issue, it’s been going since Farke stepped in and now, it’s driving Leeds to relegation.
Marathe has got to understand that the only way Leeds become proactive in-game is by taking Farke out of the situation and hiring a manager brave enough to make subs and prevent tiredness, when needed.
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