What the English Media and Premier League Pundits Are Saying About Daniel Farke and Leeds United’s Outstanding 2024-2025 Season
Leeds United’s triumphant return to the Premier League for the 2025-2026 season, crowned with the EFL Championship title and an unprecedented 100-point haul, has sparked widespread praise from English media and Premier League pundits. At the heart of this remarkable campaign is manager Daniel Farke, whose tactical acumen, calm leadership, and ability to unite a passionate fanbase have been lauded as pivotal to Leeds’ success. Despite early speculation about his future, the consensus is clear: Farke’s outstanding season with Leeds speaks volumes about his managerial prowess and the club’s potential in the top flight.
Leeds United’s 2024-2025 Championship season was nothing short of extraordinary. Under Farke’s guidance, the team secured promotion with a 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City on Easter Monday, followed by a dramatic title-clinching 2-1 victory against Plymouth Argyle, courtesy of a late Manor Solomon goal. The Whites amassed 100 points, a club first, and boasted a superior goal difference over rivals Burnley. Farke’s side was relentless, losing just once at home and showcasing a possession-based style that “suffocated” opponents, as noted by Sky Sports.
The season’s defining moments included a 14-game unbeaten run, statement victories like 7-0 against Cardiff and 4-0 at Watford, and late comeback wins against Sunderland and Sheffield United. Pundits have highlighted Leeds’ consistency and attacking flair, with Watford manager Tom Cleverley calling them “one of the best teams I’ve seen at this level.”
English media have been effusive about Farke’s tactical approach and leadership. Total Football Analysis praised his “recognizable team” built on dominant possession and a solid defensive core led by centre-backs Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon. Farke’s philosophy, rooted in his time working alongside Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund Reserves, emphasizes protagonists on the pitch, a trait evident in Leeds’ commanding performances.
The Athletic highlighted Farke’s ability to handle the “enormous, emotional beast” that is Leeds United, a one-club city with a passionate fanbase and intense scrutiny. His calm demeanor, both in press conferences and behind the scenes, has been a stabilizing force. Chairman Paraag Marathe described Farke as a “calming force” with a “superpower” for managing players, supporters, and the club’s expectations, particularly after a late draw against Swansea when Farke boldly declared his 100% conviction in promotion.
Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe lauded Farke’s substitutions, which often changed games, as seen in the late win over Sunderland. Paul Merson credited Farke’s impact, noting Elland Road’s reputation as “a hard place to play” under his stewardship. The Guardian emphasized Farke’s unconventional approach, blending high emotional intelligence with advanced numeracy, which allowed him to navigate the loss of £140m in talent—players like Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray, and Georginio Rutter—without losing momentum.
Despite the season’s success, Farke faced scrutiny over his Premier League record, having been relegated twice with Norwich City in 2019-20 and 2021-22. In late April, the Daily Mail reported that Leeds’ owners, 49ers Enterprises, were considering replacing Farke due to concerns about his top-flight performance, sparking debate. The report noted his 0.53 points-per-game average in the Premier League, one of the worst for managers with over 10 games.
However, media and pundits rallied to Farke’s defense. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy called the idea of sacking Farke “harsh,” comparing it to Bournemouth’s controversial decision to replace Gary O’Neil with Andoni Iraola. The Athletic’s Beren Cross argued that Farke’s Norwich struggles were due to weak squads and limited transfer backing, a stark contrast to the resources at Leeds. Leeds Live cited a source close to the club describing the sack rumors as “disgraceful,” emphasizing the focus on winning the title.
By May, chairman Paraag Marathe quashed speculation, declaring Farke “my man” and expressing excitement to “run it back” with him in the Premier League. The Times’ Henry Winter praised Marathe’s decision, highlighting Farke’s recruitment (e.g., Ao Tanaka for £3m), attacking football, and decisiveness, such as replacing goalkeeper Illan Meslier with Karl Darlow during the run-in.
