It comes after reports had suggested Farke could be replaced despite getting Leeds back into the top tier as Championship title winners. His record in the Premier League though, is bleak – six wins in 49 games.
Many are of the opinion that Leeds need to make a change to boost their bid for survival. A certain radio station and two major newspapers have suggested The 49ers were considering a change at the helm.
But Marathe has confirmed Farke will remain, the Leeds chairman pinpointing the moment he fell in love with Farke this season. One manager linked with the role before Marathe’s comments was Jose Mourinho.
Richard Keys says Jose Mourinho turned down move to Leeds
A few months ago, Fenerbahce manager Mourinho suggested he wanted to return to England and join a club not currently fighting for the top six. With Leeds now promoted, The Whites were strongly linked.
Other names including Cesc Fabregas, Davide Ancelotti and Roger Schmidt had been touted. But now, Farke will remain – however, according to Richard Keys, that is only because Mourinho rejected Leeds.
Farke’s record in the Premier League:
SeasonGames in chargeWinsDrawsLossesGSGAPoints2019-203856272675212021-22111285255
Writing in his blog, the outspoken presenter said: “Leeds’ chairman Paraag Marathe is quite pleased with himself after publicly backing Daniel Farke ‘I have ended the speculation’ he said. ‘He is my man’.
“What he’s not saying is he started the speculation by offering Farke’s job to Jose Mourinho. I know that for a fact. Mourinho actually ended the speculation by turning down the offer. A smart move by Marathe.
“Mourinho would’ve set Elland Road alight. Sadly Marathe couldn’t convince Mourinho that Leeds won’t be fighting a relegation battle next season. That’s not something the Special One wants,” Keys wrote.
What now for Leeds and Daniel Farke after Monday’s parade?
With the parade done, the Leeds squad are likely to get off on holiday with Las Vegas being touted as a possible party location for the Championship winners. Pre-season is expected to begin in about six weeks.
But for the transfer team, the hard work begins now. Decisions have to be made on a number of current players, with a handful of stars expected to leave – whether that’s at the end of their deals, or they’re sold.
Leeds will also have to identify their summer shopping list. Marathe says Leeds have been putting plans in place for a Premier League campaign for the last six months, and some major signings are now expected.
