Daniel Farke is in trouble.
Leeds have been treading water for most of the season with no real attacking threat. And it isn’t all the players’ fault.
When Farke switched to a 3-5-2 for the second half at Manchester City on Saturday, Leeds looked a dynamic force. Two strikers at the top of the pitch and players who can attack well in possession.
In the Championship, the Whites dominated the ball and most of the matches were played in the middle of the pitch or just inside the opponent’s half.
In the Premier League, Leeds’ games are more stretched so a 3-5-2 makes more sense with an extra defender helping at the back and an extra striker helping at the front.
The wing positions have also been an issue. Brenden Aaronson has never looked natural in possession and Leeds have conceded a lot of goals down the left-hand side.
With Pascal Struijk helping on the left, Leeds looked more solid there.
Farke still seems to be figuring out how to survive in the top flight – but he may be running out of time. It has been reported senior figures at the club think he may be sacked if Leeds don’t earn any points in the next two home games.
But the fixtures are not kind and Farke’s side have dropped points at vital moments in games this year – early after kick-offs, late in stoppage time. It shows a lack of focus and character. But the Leeds boss has to take some of the blame for that.
Fans have been calling for him to switch formation and to make more aggressive substitutions. He finally acted at half-time against Manchester City but United were 2-0 down at that stage.
Farke has shown he can adapt, but is it too little, too late?
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external
