Leeds United manager Daniel Farke faced a challenging week, but the mood changed dramatically after Wednesday’s clash with Chelsea.
Following the final whistle at Elland Road, the German coach approached the crowd with a broad smile, celebrating a vital 3-1 victory over Enzo Maresca’s Blues. The win marked the end of a four-game losing streak and lifted Leeds out of the Premier League relegation zone, where they had started the day with just 11 points from 13 matches.
Farke had been under mounting pressure after losing six of seven previous games, with speculation surrounding his future intensifying. However, his side displayed renewed energy and composure against one of England’s top teams, taking control from the opening whistle.
“For nights like this, we were so desperate to bring the club back to the top level. Elland Road was back to its best,” Farke told BBC Match of the Day. “A great shift from my lads, a great performance against one of the best sides in the world.”
Despite the win, questions about Farke’s job security persist.
“Sources have told BBC Sport that the process of identifying potential candidates to replace Farke has begun,” said senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel. “It is common for clubs to have succession plans, but Leeds’ recent poor form has increased the pressure on Farke and accelerated the search for potential replacements.”
The victory, however, provided a much-needed morale boost for both players and supporters. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “That is a huge result for Daniel Farke. If Leeds had lost, there would have been heavy calls for his dismissal.”
From the first whistle against Chelsea, Leeds looked revitalized. Farke switched to a 3-5-2 formation—a tactic he also used in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City—which proved highly effective.
“If you are promoted you have to be flexible and adapt to the opponent. I’m not married to a formation, but married to principles,” Farke explained.
The new system allowed Leeds to attack dynamically. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville praised the strategy on Sky Sports, saying, “Three strong centre-backs, midfield energy, wide threats, and two forwards who run relentlessly—it could be a blueprint for Leeds this season. Coming out of the bottom three will be a huge boost, but winning a big match like this is even bigger.”
First-half goals from Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka set Leeds on course, while forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha continually troubled Chelsea’s defence. Chelsea briefly pulled a goal back through Pedro Neto early in the second half, but Leeds pressed on, and a defensive lapse allowed Calvert-Lewin to seal the 3-1 victory.
Warnock added: “The last game and a half could change Leeds’ season. They look more organized, more compact, but still carry a threat going forward, which is exactly what you need in the Premier League.”
Fans, some of whom had grown frustrated with Farke’s previous results, celebrated the win enthusiastically.
“I didn’t sense any division today. Elland Road was at its best from start to finish. I didn’t see doubts apart from one person behind my bench,” Farke said.
Steph Houghton, former Lionesses defender, noted Farke’s adaptability on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Fans admire his bravery to try something different, especially when results hadn’t gone their way. Being willing to adapt is exactly what the team needed.”
Neville agreed: “Leeds supporters were wondering if Farke had a plan B. Tonight, the way the team played will give them confidence and could help them pick up more points.”
Leeds will look to build on this momentum when they host reigning champions Liverpool at Elland Road on Saturday (17:30 GMT).
