Good Morning. It's Tuesday 9th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road The seven days that may have re-shaped Farke's career Beren Cross, the Whites correspondent for The New York Times, has penned an intriguing article highlighting Daniel Farke's seven day turnaround - a transformation that could yet save his Leeds Utd career, and propel his side to mid table safety. With confidence at rock bottom, Leeds travelled to Manchester City. Even the most loyal supporters braced themselves for damage limitation rather than an upset. Yet, what unfolded over the course of three high-pressure matches against City, Chelsea, and Liverpool has not only altered the mood around the club but has also reshaped perceptions of Daniel Farke’s management. The turning point, somewhat ironically, came by accident! A calf injury to winger Dan James just before half-time at the Etihad forced Farke into a decision that, in hindsight, may have altered Leeds’ trajectory for the season. On came Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and with him an unexpected tactical shift: Leeds abandoned their traditional 4-3-3 in favour of a compact, counter-punching 5-3-2. It was a move born of necessity but executed with conviction. From that point, something clicked, and the cogs which had grounded to a halt, started to turn again un unison. Leeds started to look more structured, more resilient, and more dangerous on the break. What followed was a mini-run that would have seemed implausible before kick-off at the Etihad! Fast forward to the six goal thriller at the weekend, Farke's side clawed their way back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 against the reigning champions, a result built on self-belief and tactical discipline. Liverpool’s dominance of possession - 65 per cent, did not translate into a wealth of chances. For long stretches, Leeds’ reconfigured 5-3-2 blunted Arne Slot’s attack. The resistance was eventually broken by two self-inflicted errors in as many minutes early in the second half. While those moments ultimately changed the course of the game, they also revealed something about the new Leeds: this was not a side being outclassed, bullied, or overrun. Only days before, they had dismantled Chelsea 3-1, a fixture in which their aggression, pressing, organisation and defensive shape forced one of the world's most expensive squads into a series of costly errors. Farke deserves particular praise for the tactical changes he made over the past three games. One of the most persistent criticisms of his tenure has been a tendency toward reactive, even hesitant, in-game management. In past defeats, substitutions often arrived too late to influence the flow of matches. Against Liverpool, however, the German acted decisively. Recognising the need to abandon his defensive block and chase the game, he made a triple change in the 65th minute, well ahead of his perceived comfort zone. Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, and Tanaka all came on, and all three were directly involved in the goals that followed. Switching back to the 4-3-3, a system that had looked stale in recent weeks, was a gamble. But this time, it worked. Gnonto’s directness stretched Liverpool’s back line, Aaronson injected energy into midfield, and Tanaka’s composure in possession helped sustain attacks. Leeds scored three times in the closing stages, underlining their renewed attacking bite. For a team that had appeared impotent for much of the month before this run, finding the net eight times across three fixtures against City, Chelsea, and Liverpool is a statement in itself. This burst of productivity has gone some way toward answering the growing concerns about Farke’s suitability for the top level. Before Manchester City, doubts swirled over his tactical flexibility, his ability to adapt under pressure, and his apparent reluctance to use his bench effectively. In the space of a week, he has reshaped that narrative. A bold mid-match formation change at the Etihad, a justified decision to stick with the 5-3-2 against Chelsea, and an assertive, game-altering triple substitution against Liverpool, these are the hallmarks of a coach unafraid to evolve. Perhaps most importantly, the players appear to have bought into the changes. Calvert-Lewin’s focal role, the defensive discipline of the back five, and the licence given to wing-backs to surge forward when space allows have given Leeds a balance they lacked in earlier defeats. Meanwhile, the likes of Gnonto and Aaronson, previously criticised for inconsistency, have been reintroduced in moments designed to maximise their impact rather than expose their flaws. Of course, three games do not define a season, and the challenges ahead remain significant. Leeds are still navigating a tough fixture list, and the demands of maintaining such intensity will test their depth. Yet, for now, Farke has done more than just steady the ship; he has restored belief. All the hard work of last season will count for little if Leeds are relegated at the first attempt. The last week has showed that the players have more than enough to finish above the bottom three, but will need to dig deep and show consistency if they are to survive. please log in to view this image Leeds holding talks with Barca over Bardghji loan Reports from several media outlets suggest that Leeds United are in discussions with Barcelona over a potential January loan move for Swedish winger Roony Bardghji. The 20yo, widely regarded as one of Scandinavia’s brightest prospects, is a left-footed right winger renowned for his dribbling, flair, and ability to cut inside to unleash accurate shots on goal. His close control, agility, and creativity enable him to shine in one-on-one situations. His style of play, low centre of gravity and sharp technical execution, has even earned him early comparisons to Lionel Messi, though such parallels inevitably come with high expectations. Barcelona secured Bardghji in the summer from FC Copenhagen on a cut-price deal, exploiting the fact his contract with the Danish club was due to expire. However, since arriving in Catalonia, the Swedish international has found it difficult to establish himself in the first team. His limited appearances meant that his recent goal in Barcelona’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Real Betis stood out as a rare highlight, perhaps hinting at untapped potential that could flourish with more consistent game time. According to MOT Leeds News, Leeds United see Bardghji as an exciting addition to boost their attacking options in the second half of the season. The Whites are believed to offer the winger a clearer path to regular minutes than he might enjoy at the Camp Nou. Barcelona, for their part, are reportedly open to the loan arrangement, although the decision may hinge on whether Hansi Flick feels comfortable trimming his already thin squad in the midst of a congested fixture list. If the deal goes through, where does this leave Dan James? please log in to view this image
