There’s been a growing murmur among some fans about the idea of replacing Daniel Farke as manager of Leeds United, even as they sit atop the Championship with four games remaining. Names like Erik ten Hag and others are being thrown around as possible upgrades. But while it might make for interesting pub chat or clickbait headlines, the reality is this: replacing Farke now would be a massive, unnecessary risk—and it would undermine everything Leeds United is currently building.
NOTE – in case the munged LUFC in the club badge didn’t give it away, this header pic was AI-generated. I’m not a cartoonist. But I can spell. Sometimes.
Disruption vs Stability
First, let’s look at the basic mechanics of changing a manager. Leadership changes are disruptive by nature. A new manager comes in and spends weeks, even months, just figuring out who’s who, what works, and what doesn’t. By the time they get to grips with the environment, the season could already be underway. That alone should give the club pause.
In Ten Hag’s case, he’s just come off a turbulent and largely disappointing stint at a club with far more resources than Leeds. That’s not a clear upgrade—it’s a gamble.
Even if you believe a new manager offers a marginal improvement—say 2 to 5%—is that really worth tearing up the work that’s already been done? Especially when that improvement could arguably be gained by supporting Farke with additional staff, targeted hires, or professional development? Coaching is not a solo act. It never has been. Running a football club is a team effort.
The Myth of the “Better Manager”
Some fans talk about managers like they’re Pokémon cards—fixed in ability, easily comparable, and decisive in themselves. But the idea that a manager’s capability is a static quality is just wrong. Managers evolve. Their success is shaped not just by their own skill, but by the team around them, the squad culture, the support structure, and even the mood in the dressing room.
Farke has proven that he’s adaptable. He’s improved this team not just tactically, but structurally and culturally.
The Evidence Is on the Pitch
Let’s talk facts. Last summer, Leeds United lost a number of big-name players—so-called “superstars.” In their place came cheaper, arguably lower-profile alternatives. But under Farke’s leadership, that new squad has become deeper, more balanced, and better performing.
The scouting has been exceptional. The recruitment has been deliberate. This is not a man fumbling in the dark. Farke is building with clarity and control.
Leadership in the Margins
Take the goalkeeping situation as an example. Farke showed loyalty to Illan Meslier, understanding that confidence is a huge part of a goalkeeper’s form. Meslier was the better option on paper, and the manager backed him—until it became clear that a change was needed. Then he brought in Karl Darlow. It wasn’t too early, it wasn’t too late—it was right.
Fans who yelled “too late!” missed the point entirely. Managing a squad isn’t about stats alone. It’s about morale, belief, and the message sent to the rest of the team. Too much chopping and changing, and the dressing room loses faith. Too little, and standards slip. Farke is walking that line carefully—and successfully.
Mentality, Momentum, and Progress
This season, Leeds followed three scrappy draws with hard-fought wins—1-0, 2-1, grinding it out in the final minutes. Last year, those same draws might have snowballed into a bad run. Not this time. This time, the team stayed composed. Leaders were on the pitch in the final 10-15 minutes. The captain returned. Players with the right mentality were in the right places. That’s not a fluke. That’s management.
Culture Shift at Elland Road
It’s true: there’s always a segment of the fanbase that’s quick to turn. Some supporters make up their minds about players and stick to that opinion no matter what. I remember Bamford scoring a stunning volley last season, and one bloke in a Leeds shirt still looked furious—he’d already decided he didn’t like the player, so even success didn’t move him.
But the wider picture is different. Farke asked the fans to “help out” and bring the noise at home games—and Elland Road has responded. Saturday’s atmosphere was immense. Sheffield United equalised and then went behind—and the roof came off. Players like Joe Rodon were waving their arms, calling for more. Rodon was in tears at the final whistle. That’s a player emotionally connected to the project.
Rodon, of course, was a Farke signing—brought in as part of the Archie Gray deal. That’s not just a transfer. That’s building something.
Don’t Tear Down What’s Working
The bottom line is this: Leeds United are building something smart, sustainable, and promising. The squad is tighter, more cohesive, and mentally stronger than last season. The fans are reengaging. The foundations are solid.
Replacing Farke now wouldn’t just risk all that—it would undermine it. It would send the wrong message to the players, the staff, and the fanbase: that success isn’t enough, that loyalty doesn’t matter, that building takes a backseat to headlines.
Let it grow.