Daniel Farke speaks out on Premier League survival blueprint — Leeds Live 26/9/25

The Leeds United manager has been discussing this weekend's showdown with established top flight side Bournemouth

Leeds boss Daniel Farke says Saturday's opponents Bournemouth have provided a “good example” of how newly-promoted sides can develop into Premier League regulars - something that his club is aiming to do.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has made clear that his ultimate aim is for Leeds to break back into the Premier League’s established cohort again, with Championship promotion only the first step in his project.

In a similar fashion to Leeds, Bournemouth spent multiple seasons in the top flight before spending two years back in the Championship. Since their second promotion in 2022, the Cherries have finished 15th, 12th and ninth in consecutive seasons.

Farke believes visitors Bournemouth are now European challengers and, while he was hesitant to compare them to Leeds, he painted them as a case point in how to transition from newbies to Premier League mainstays.

“I wouldn't label them [as a] benchmark but definitely also a good example how you should develop as a newly promoted side,” said Farke. “Step by step they have developed into a team who are contenders for Europe. There is no doubt about this. They fully deserve this.

“It's also a healthy way to develop as a club, if you take things step by step. Also judging their approach, I think they are becoming more of a possession side.

“This is also a sign if you want to establish yourself on a permanent level - it's not enough just to defend and survive somehow and just put the balls up front and fight for second balls. It's more so you have to take a natural development of your approach and your game plan if you want.”

Bournemouth have had the lion’s share of possession in three of their five Premier League games so far, albeit each occasion came while playing at home. Despite having their many players plucked from their defence this summer, Andoni Iraola’s men have kept three clean sheets in four games.

Farke is aware that Bournemouth are the favourites to win, but that seven points on the board from the first five games shows that Leeds can be competitive. He added: "[Bournemouth] fully deserve to be in the top four at the moment.

"It's also no coincidence where they are in the table, they're a really good side. Andoni deserves lots of praise for the work that he's done.

“As a newly-promoted side, you're never really the favourite in a game, but we also know we're in good shape.

“We also had a decent start to the season. And especially in home games, we are capable of winning points, no matter who we play. So we are respectful. We know that Bournemouth will be a very difficult challenge for us, but we're also looking forward to having this game."