Things were looking bleak for Leeds United boss Daniel Farke.
But, after the final whistle against Chelsea on Wednesday, the German wandered over to the crowd with a wide smile on his face.
Leeds, who had started the day in the relegation zone with 11 points from 13 games, had just ended a a four-game losing streak with an impressive 3-1 victory against Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
Having lost six of their previous seven matches, Farke was under increasing pressure with growing speculation around his future.
But his side looked re-energised at Elland Road as they called the shots against title contenders Chelsea to move out of the bottom three.
“For nights like this, we were so desperate to bring the club back to the top level. Elland Road was back to its best,” Farke told BBC Match of the Day.
“A great shift from my lads, a great performance against one of the best sides in the world.”
However, questions may remain over Farke’s position.
“Sources have told BBC Sport that the process of identifying potential candidates to replace Farke has begun,” said senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.
“It is not unusual practice for clubs to plot a succession plan for their managerial position regardless of the incumbent’s job security.
“But Leeds’ poor form, which left them in the relegation zone before Wednesday’s win, has placed significant pressure on Farke – serving to amplify the club’s movement towards pinpointing possible successors to the German.”
The victory, though, provides a much-needed morale boost for Leeds’ players and fans alike.
“That is a huge result for Daniel Farke,” former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I don’t know if he would have lost his job if they had lost this game, but there would have been a lot of people calling for his head.”
