New Leeds manager: ‘Humble’ Daniel Farke states immediate aim after lengthy deal is confirmed; £10m star immediately ready to quit
New Leeds manager Daniel Farke - pic via LeedsUnited.com
Leeds United have finally confirmed the appointment of Daniel Farke as their new manager, with the former Norwich boss signing a four-year deal at Elland Road and making clear his early intentions for the club.
The German, 46, succeeds Sam Allardyce, whose short-term deal was not renewed following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last season. Contracted to 2027, he is the first appointment of the club’s new owners, 49ers Enterprises.
The selection process has been long and arduous for the Whites, with three names shortlisted following a gruelling interview process.
However, Farke was the man chosen by chief executive Angus Kinner and incoming new chairman Paraag Marathe.
Indeed, Farke was selected ahead of fellow candidates Scott Parker and Patrick Vieira, both of whom impressed.
But having led former club Norwich to two Championship titles in three seasons – suffering relegation in between – his immediate aims will be obvious.
Indeed, Farke led Norwich on their best ever season in the second tier, picking up 97 points in the 2020/21 season.
Now he will hope to replicate that success at Elland Road.
And while Farke stopped short of setting himself a target, he used his first interview to thank the club for his welcome. Furthermore, he has also made clear his wish to bring the club together again after a turbulent period.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the really warm welcome,” he told the club’s official website. “I’m really grateful at this moment, to work for this amazing club.
“I feel humble at this time. I know the responsibility to fulfil all the expectations and I want to repay the trust shown.”
READ MORE: Leeds face new competition for twice-trapped Liverpool star targeted by title winners
Farke states Leeds Utd aims
Farke continued: “The most important thing is to create a togetherness and unity within this club again. And from today onwards, I will work on it with my staff and players. I trust our supporters will be there when we need them. I can’t wait for the first game of the season.”
Farke will be assisted at Elland Road by Eddie Riemer, Christopher John and Chris Domogalla. The quartet have previously all worked together.
Discussing Farke’s appointment, Marathe admits he was impressed by both his leadership and his record in the second tier.
“After a thorough recruitment process, we are excited to confirm Daniel’s appointment as our first team manager,” he said.
“His record in the Championship is clear, and I am impressed by his leadership and plan to guide us back to the Premier League.
“We welcome Daniel and his staff to the club and look forward to a strong season.”
Farke will officially take charge of first-team training on Wednesday, with the new season kicking off against Cardiff on August 6.
Before then, the new manager will have a host of issues to sort in his squad. To that end, a series of players are all pushing to leave Leeds following relegation.
To that end, one trio are seemingly closing on departures and will not be part of the club’s plans this upcoming season.
However, it seems they won’t be the only ones to depart this summer.
Marc Roca pushes to leave Leeds
And they could be beaten out the Elland Road exit door by £10m midfielder Marc Roca.
The Spanish star was brought in last summer from Bayern Munich and was a regular in the side, making 36 appearances.
However, following Leeds’ demotion, he has been strongly linked with a return to his homeland with Real Betis.
Now the LaLiga side are reportedly close to striking a deal with Leeds to sign Roca on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Per Diario de Sevilla, the 26-year-old has told his ‘inner circle’ he is desperate to make the move.
Indeed, the player is willing to take a drop in wages so desperate he is to return to Spain.
Roca, though, will wait patiently for the move to come to fruition.
He has been back in first-team training at Leeds this week, but reportedly expects the move to go through shortly.
