Good Morning. It's Tuesday 6th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Marathe initiated Farke sack rumour after offering ER hot seat to Mourinho Legendary sports presenter and journalist Richard Keys has made a striking claim, insisting that Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe initiated the recent Daniel Farke sacking rumour by directly offering the Elland Road hot seat to Jose Mourinho. Despite Daniel Farke successfully guiding Leeds United back to the Premier League, securing the Championship title in dramatic fashion, rumours persisted that his job might not be safe. Throughout the closing stages of the Championship season and immediately after promotion, talk circulated regarding Leeds potentially looking to replace the German manager with a different figure for their top-flight return. Farke himself remained tight-lipped on the persistent sack speculation. However, following Leeds' impressive triumph in clinching the Championship title on the final day, club officials ultimately backed Farke to lead the team into the Premier League campaign. During the period of uncertainty, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was among the high-profile names linked with the potential vacancy. At the time, Keys publicly stated his belief that the Portuguese manager would "set Elland Road alight" should he take the reins. Now, Keys has doubled down and escalated his previous comments. He insists that the root cause of the intense speculation over Farke's job security was not merely media conjecture but stemmed directly from the club's hierarchy. According to Keys, Leeds supremo Paraag Marathe actively approached Mourinho with an offer for the managerial role. However, Keys also provided Mourinho's reported response. He claims the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid boss declined the alleged offer, primarily because he was unwilling to involve himself in a potential relegation battle, which would likely be the focus for a newly promoted side like Leeds United. “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. “It was Mourinho who actually ended the speculation by turning the offer down. “It was a smart move by Marathe. “Mourinho would’ve set Elland Road alight and the PL is always better when he’s working in it. “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. Perhaps he’s right. Perhaps he agrees with Wenger, but it’s a pity.” please log in to view this image Streets of Leeds turn White, blue and Yellow More than 150,000 jubilant fans, a wave of white, blue, and yellow, surged through the city streets. It had been 33 long years since silverware graced the streets on an open-top bus, a drought that had only intensified the passion and yearning for this moment. The COVID-19 pandemic had cruelly robbed the city of its deserved celebration in 2020 upon their promotion, but the Elland Road faithful were determined to make up for lost time, and they did so in spectacular fashion. Leeds City Council had anticipated a significant turnout, but even their expectations were dwarfed by the sheer number of supporters who flooded the streets. By mid-morning, City Square was virtually impassable. A kaleidoscope of flags fluttered in the wind, the air thick with the blue and yellow smoke of celebratory flares. The crowd resembled a living, breathing organism, pulsating with pure joy and unadulterated pride. The desire for a better vantage point fueled a collective ingenuity. Spectators, determined to catch a glimpse of their heroes, clambered onto anything that offered elevation. Platforms and planters became prime real estate, offering relatively safe havens amidst the throngs. More daring fans scaled bus shelters, street signs, and even traffic lights, transforming the urban landscape into a playground of celebration. But even those who couldn't secure a prime viewing spot were undeterred. Visibility was secondary to participation. The sheer act of being there, shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow supporters, united in a shared moment of history, was enough. The roar of the crowd, the scent of smoke, the collective energy – it was an experience that transcended the visual. This was more than just a victory parade; it was a cathartic release, a collective exhale after years of longing and near misses. It was a testament to the unwavering loyalty of the Leeds United fans, a vibrant and unforgettable chapter in the club's storied history. The city had erupted, painted in the colors of triumph, a euphoric scene that would forever be etched in the memory of every Leeds supporter who witnessed it. The Premier League was calling, and the champions were ready. please log in to view this image
Morning all. Watched every minute of the parade, thoroughly enjoyed it all. What made it for me was seeing the tens of thousands of kids and young adults involved yet again in the club. That's the age group that'll grow the support exponentially and are also the ones who spend the money on merch. Everyone in the uk and further knows the potential of the club and it was on show yesterday
**** Mourhino, he's not good enough for Leeds, If that is true what Keys says then mourhino has admitted so himself by saying we will be in a relegation battle, I thought he was supposed to be a great coach, has he no faith in himself?
I've been told that Mourinho said no to Leeds as he'll be taking over as Portugal Manager, but obviously that hasn't been released yet.
Whether this is true or not I don't know. I do know that I don't find Marathe convincing or trustworthy when i see him speak. No specific reasons, more just a gut. He doesn't seem to understand the game, and i thought his excuse for his 'timing' of backing Farke wasn't convincing. He didn't say the rumours were false just that they were rumours. He didn't know how much we had in the kitty apparently, just that we'd spend every last penny on players. He should know how much we have. He should be able to say that he knows, but won't reveal it. Rather than 'i don;t know, but not sure i'd tell you anyway'. Little things. Wouldn't trust him myself, sounds like he's winging it and trying to oversell a story, protesting too much. There. I've said it. Doesn't mean he and the 49ers won't be great for the club.
Morning all I’m with Milky on this one, Paraag and the timing excuse is all bollocks. I still admire his enthusiasm trying to find a better coach, it shows he is ruthless too. I’m also glad he didn’t do what previous owners would have done, sacked first and regretted later when the quality of the applications arrived. There could still be a twist, Farke could be pissed off with it and ready to jump, you’d hope not, he might wait to see what funds are being made available first, he can’t afford to fail again in the PL with “I told you so” hanging over him. Farke won’t want to become a Neil Warnock and only considered in the Championship. Time to put it all behind us, the celebrations are done, now it’s time for us to get the ball rolling in preparation for next season
It was incredible. Doubt there’s ever been two better legs of football played. Rapha in tears at the enf
