The pivotal moment that sparked Leeds' revolution under Daniel Farke — Mail 17/1/26

The pivotal moment that sparked Leeds' revolution under Daniel Farke - and how unity and resilience has become the club's greatest strength, writes DOMINIC KING

By DOMINIC KING

It would not be viewed as a sensible starting point for a conversation, to get a Premier League ­manager shaking his head and disagreeing firmly, but here we are.

Daniel Farke does not see the significance but the moment we are discussing felt huge — November 23, Elland Road; Leeds 1 Aston Villa 2.

Farke had asked pre-match for the mood to be ‘us against the world’ but by the end, after a fifth defeat in six games, it seemed like it was him against them.

He walked slowly in front of the Kop, clapping them as he always does but as he looked back, Farke only saw angry faces. Those who had been ­bellowing: ‘Make a sub! Make a sub!’ during the contest had changed their tone to: ‘You don’t know what you’re doing!’ as the German moved along.

‘I wouldn’t over-interpretate the situation and I wouldn’t also agree that we had lost (at home) again,’ Farke countered.

‘In the last 15 months, we have lost exactly two home games at home! And in both those games, the objective data told us we were the better side.

‘Of course, everyone was ­feeling flat but I didn’t take it personally. We are a very passionate club and I will always show the fans my appreciation. I know from being here for two-and-a-half years a result like this doesn’t mean they are going to be dancing on the tables!

‘I wasn’t searching for some trust from the supporters. They had seen some top performances; we won the Championship with more than 100 points.

‘And that afternoon, I was still absolutely convinced that, with this group, we could fight to achieve our goals in this league.’

This is Farke in a nutshell: passionate, positive and resolute in his belief. It is 54 days since a Morgan Rogers double made it feel like the sands in the hourglass were running quicker but, since then, the narrative has turned. Leeds, through doughtiness, resilience and a number nine who might yet play for England again, are looking forwards again.

Not even a shattering last-minute loss at Newcastle has dampened enthusiasm ahead of tomorrow’s visit from Fulham, as results against Liverpool (twice), Chelsea and points eked out at Brentford and Sunderland have shown they can compete.

‘But!’ the former Norwich boss interjects. ‘There is not a reason for us not to stay humble — nothing is achieved yet.’

It is widely assumed Farke’s decision to switch three central defenders at half-time against Manchester City on November 29 (a game they ultimately lost 3-2) was the catalyst for recovery but their manager had seen signs long before.

Other clubs have technically better players but few sides have Leeds’ unity. Farke places huge stock on togetherness and creating the right atmosphere; those who know him tell you he has an endearing line in self-deprecation but, equally, is not afraid to join in with ribbing at the right moment.

He has encouraged the squad to see each other away from the confines of Thorp Arch, their training base, and the results of a happy working group are there to see: since December 1, all the data — from points, shots and touches in the opposition box per game — is up.

‘This point I totally agree with,’ says Farke, smiling now. ‘I’ve been in many dressing rooms, as a player and a manager. Many of them have been really good. But the spirit in this group and for this league is really second to none. I don’t take this for granted.

‘We have an elite environment; everyone has to deliver and how we interact as human beings. We show fighting spirit and togetherness.

‘Yes, we have challenges within that. Every player wants to play all the time. I know they are not going to be overly happy when I don’t pick them.

‘But everyone chips in. The desire to work hard and the value for hard work is outstanding. Nobody wants to be wrapped in cotton wool, they want to work and make themselves available all the time. It’s a joy to come to work each day. They want to do the extra mile themselves.’

Farke would not be so crude to champion his own role but, equally, some of his decisions have proven exemplary.

When Brenden Aaronson, the United States international, came under fire from the stands in the match against Villa, Farke made the decision to turn the fire back on the midfielder’s detractors.

The message was clear: I’m standing alongside him. Players in this era scroll through social media almost as soon as they leave the pitch to see what is being said about them, so Farke’s sermon was crucial. Aaronson has regained his belief, scoring against Manchester United on January 4.

It was outstanding man-management, as it was when he convinced Dominic Calvert-Lewin to join last summer. Calvert-Lewin’s confidence evaporated at Everton and it was right that he left when his contract expired; he always had ability but there was no guarantee he would show it consistently.

How has he done it? He will not reveal any trade secrets but there is enough in what follows to show that for all the technical and physical aspects — Leeds’ running stats are the envy of most teams in the division — the camaraderie that has been ­fostered under his watch will be critical.

‘We have a chance to establish this club where it belongs,’ says Farke. ‘We have done things to help the group though I don’t believe in artificial team building events. You know them — you stand on your own, you fall and there are 10 guys waiting to catch you: “Yeah! I trust the group!”

‘I’ve done it 20 times, I know the message. But I believe that players have to share moments away from the pitch. It’s not like previous generations: “Hey! Let’s get you to the bar and get proper drunk!” You could do it 20 years ago, now it isn’t the solution.

‘I like them having a meal when I am not there, so they can be themselves and they can do some jokes about the manager and what he says! I don’t believe in team events, I prefer to do things that everyone will enjoy.’

They are the words of man who, clearly, very much knows what he is doing.