Daniel Farke responds to sack calls and makes Leeds United statement as owners meet — Leeds Live 24/10/25
Farke says he can 'handle the pressure' of being Leeds United manager
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
Daniel Farke insists he is unfazed by constant talk about
his future at Leeds United, stating that such sack chatter comes with the
territory of being Whites boss.
There has been no inkling that the 49ers are considering the
German’s position, but some supporters hold worry over his ability to keep
United in the Premier League with just one point earned over the last three
games. The owners are meeting today ahead of this evening's game and will
discuss the start to the season under Farke, but there is no suggestion the
outlook is anything but positive for the manager.
Critics, however, are often seen airing their thoughts on
social media and on call-in shows after defeats or poor performances. Farke
says he remains unmoved by this, having faced sack calls several times during
his tenure.
“How can you be a Leeds United manager if you’re not calm
and relaxed?” he asked rhetorically ahead of Friday’s clash at home to West Ham
United.
“I’ve been here for two-and-a-half years but normally as a
Leeds manager you last on average for just two-and-a-half months.
“It’s such an emotional club, but if you can’t handle the
heat then don’t go into the kitchen. That’s how it works at this level,
especially for an emotional club like Leeds United. I’m totally relaxed and
totally confident because I know what we are doing.”
Farke added: “In the Premier League, there will always be
pressure and even more so at a club like Leeds. In the past two seasons, more
or less after every draw there were rumours about the manager being sacked.
"Last season we achieved the best performance in the
history of this club – 100 points and a plus 65 goal difference and broke all
records. After every draw I was in danger of losing my job and, even after
winning the title, there were some rumours.
“That’s how it works and now, in the Premier League, it’s
like that after every loss. I can guarantee you that, as long as I stay as
Leeds manager, after every defeat there will be rumours.
“But I know the truth – and we know the truth internally –
so we are heading 100% in the right direction.”
During the last international break, Leeds Live revealed
that the board - while noting the dropped points against Fulham and Bournemouth
- were pleased with the performances Farke had gotten out of his team at that
stage.
Decision-makers have outlined that they will not make any
calls based off one or two results alone but the overall picture and trajectory
of the season.
Board members have plotted out a rough guideline on where
they expect to be at various points in the season based on the odds of beating
respective opponents. The general aim is to attain an average of a point per
game, and Leeds are currently on track having not dipped below the line at any
point so far.
However, a defeat to strugglers West Ham tonight - who have
won just one of their first eight league matches - would see that change.
It would also mark a three-game winless run amid the risk
Leeds end the weekend inside the bottom three. Farke is prepared to tackle the
heat head on if that does happen.
“We are doing many things right and I can deal with this
pressure,” he insisted. “We have to make sure that it’s a happy shirt to play
for Leeds United. They [players] are young human beings and perhaps not as
settled as I am, working in this role.
“I didn’t wake up as a manager of Leeds United – I have
developed into this role. Also working for other clubs, when you’re under
pressure and have to handle it, I can deal with it.
“When the spotlight is on the manager, that’s great because
it means the players can concentrate on what they’re doing. For me, it’s
business as normal. I’m totally calm and relaxed knowing that my boys are doing
many things in a really good way.”
