Good Morning. It's Wednesday 30th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road 49ers 'sound out' trio Despite guiding Leeds back to the top flight, certain factions from within 49ers Enterprises still harbour strong reservations about Daniel Farke's suitability in the Premier League next season. His previous top-flight tenure at Norwich City, while arguably hampered by a lack of financial support, left an 'abysmal' Premier League record that weighs heavily on the minds of some decision-makers across the Atlantic. Paraag Marathe, the prominent figurehead of 49ers Enterprises, has flown in from California for crunch talks, his presence a clear indicator of the seriousness of the situation. While Farke prepares his side for their final day battle, the club's hierarchy have reportedly made ‘initial soundings’ for potential replacements. The names circulating are intriguing: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, former Benfica coach Roger Schmidt, and Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo. Schmidt appears to hold particular appeal, especially considering the financial implications of sacking Farke. Schmidt, currently out of work at 58, brings a wealth of experience from managing major clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven, and Benfica. His recent spell at Benfica was nothing short of stellar – guiding them to a top-flight title, winning 80 of 115 games. His tactical approach has been lauded as having ‘one of the best styles in Europe’. For Leeds United, potentially heading back into the challenging landscape of the Premier League, Schmidt's availability and proven track record of success with prominent European clubs offer an attractive package. He represents the kind of experienced hand that could provide stability and potentially guide the club not just to survival, but to emulate the likes of Aston Villa in establishing themselves in the top half after promotion. So, as the final whistle blows on the Championship season, Daniel Farke faces a unique and precarious situation. He stands on the brink of delivering exactly what he was hired to do – immediate promotion, perhaps even with a trophy – yet the very success he has orchestrated seems insufficient to fully convince his employers he is the man for the next chapter. The story of Leeds United’s return to the top flight might just be written by a hand other than the one that guided them there. please log in to view this image Firpo's Cheeky EFL Snub When the EFL Championship Team of the Season was revealed, not every inclusion sat right with players and fans alike. While figures like Jayden Bogle,Dan James and AO Tanaka earned their spots, Junior Firpo found himself notably absent from the left-back position, with Harrison Burrows getting the nod despite Firpo's impressive return of 4 goals and 10 assists over the campaign. It seems the Dominican Republic international took this perceived snub personally. Following Leeds' dominant 4-0 victory over Bristol City, Firpo took to social media platform X, initially praising the Elland Road faithful and his teammates. "Still thinking about that atmosphere yesterday night, what a game and what a group you don’t deserve less than that performance," he posted, adding that the job wasn't done. However, he saved his most pointed remark for the sign-off, delivering a clear, cheeky dig at the EFL's selection panel: "Yours Truly, the second-best left-back in the league." Having overcome early struggles to become a vital player and fan favourite this season, Firpo's confident assertion reflects a player who knows his worth and isn't afraid to call out what he sees as an oversight. please log in to view this image
Morning all We need the Farke is he staying is he being replaced sorted within the next week, get Saturday done and dusted and then if he (Paraag) is going make an announcement, make it shortly afterwards, possibly Monday or Tuesday and that's assuming a better replacement is ready to step in the following day. It's not fair on Farke either, the signs are not good as Paraag could easily squash the rumours but has chosen not to. The players need to report back for duty and meet whoever the new guy might be after Saturday and before they start leaving for a well earned break, transfer targets too need to be moving along, we have a head start lets not throw that head start away. I'd assume if we win the title, the board will allow Farke to enjoy the celebrations for a day or two with the fans and players Davide Ancelotti - Looks an excellent gamble for his first job for a top Championship team, not a PL team Giovanni van Bronckhorst - Sacked from his last two jobs, one being Rangers, I can't get my head around why any PL team would employ him Roger Schmidt - Looks a good gamble for a lower PL team (which we will be) not sure if he would be any better than Farke and he does have a great win percentage If we are going to replace Farke, it has to be for a coach who we think "wow" how did we persuade him, this board means business
There’s a 3 player max per team rule I think… so guys like firpo, Solomon for us and brownhill for Burnley get overlooked when most would probably have them in. Awards are a nonsense. The PFA ones are better as it’s voted for by players, but not without limitations either.
Stability now is the key. As Ristac said get whatever they intend to do in next week and crack on with the massive job in hand. Id also like to see some timeframe on the stadium rebuild. All very fine having the 3d model but more seats are desperately needed. Ive made my feelings known re Farke as did the other 36k fans on Monday, but I doubt the 49ers care too much of the feelings of the fans. Its their club for now and I have to accept whatever they decide and hope they get it right again
Van the man....nope if you can't challenge the one other club in Scotland Carlo...stick to pasta Schmidt... why's no one snapped him up already Give farke some credit with the upheaval he had regarding the ludicrous loan situation and his disappointment of the final defeat to get everyone up for it again the thing with firpo is I believe you are only allowed 3 from each side at most for the seasons best team...but I agree with him
Guys like Schmidt - good win percentages when they manage one of the top 2 teams in a lesser league is hardly the glowing endorsement the stats might suggest. it’s like ange at Celtic. Lauded for their dominance, lauded for their plucky have a go approach in Europe. Sadly that have a go approach led to a fair few thrashings. It was obvious to me that it wouldn’t cut it in the PL without compromise and he looks look like a guy who wont or cant compromise. which loops back to Farke… the big Q with him is will he adapt our style for the PL and if he does that will he/we be any good at it. Will we lose all our attacking capability, the dna of the team? Truth is I have no idea and I suspect no one else has either.
In case anyone thinks I’m on the fence. Keep Farke. Like Risty says, If they’ve already decided he’s going, They better have a proven ‘super coach’ up their sleeve and get him in now. if they sack him without a confirmed replacement already in place then mr ‘contracts in his sleep’ will be a laughing stock as we know how that can play out.
Good morning everyone Hasn’t Paraag or the board heard of the saying, better the devil you know, idiots at least give Farke half a season. Hoping their just rumors and clickbait, but we all know how this club likes that big self destruct button
And his assessment of the values of every player. Hope he’s ok and drops by again. Which might be linked to what happens to Farke.
