The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 30th April) 49ers 'sound out' trio
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 30th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
49ers 'sound out' trio
Despite guiding Leeds back to the top flight, certain factions from within 49ers Enterprises still harbour strong reservations about Daniel Farke's suitability in the Premier League next season. His previous top-flight tenure at Norwich City, while arguably hampered by a lack of financial support, left an 'abysmal' Premier League record that weighs heavily on the minds of some decision-makers across the Atlantic.
Paraag Marathe, the prominent figurehead of 49ers Enterprises, has flown in from California for crunch talks, his presence a clear indicator of the seriousness of the situation. While Farke prepares his side for their final day battle, the club's hierarchy have reportedly made ‘initial soundings’ for potential replacements. The names circulating are intriguing: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, former Benfica coach Roger Schmidt, and Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo.
Schmidt appears to hold particular appeal, especially considering the financial implications of sacking Farke. Schmidt, currently out of work at 58, brings a wealth of experience from managing major clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven, and Benfica. His recent spell at Benfica was nothing short of stellar – guiding them to a top-flight title, winning 80 of 115 games. His tactical approach has been lauded as having ‘one of the best styles in Europe’.
For Leeds United, potentially heading back into the challenging landscape of the Premier League, Schmidt's availability and proven track record of success with prominent European clubs offer an attractive package. He represents the kind of experienced hand that could provide stability and potentially guide the club not just to survival, but to emulate the likes of Aston Villa in establishing themselves in the top half after promotion.
So, as the final whistle blows on the Championship season, Daniel Farke faces a unique and precarious situation. He stands on the brink of delivering exactly what he was hired to do – immediate promotion, perhaps even with a trophy – yet the very success he has orchestrated seems insufficient to fully convince his employers he is the man for the next chapter. The story of Leeds United’s return to the top flight might just be written by a hand other than the one that guided them there.
Firpo's Cheeky EFL Snub
When the EFL Championship Team of the Season was revealed, not every inclusion sat right with players and fans alike. While figures like Jayden Bogle,Dan James and AO Tanaka earned their spots, Junior Firpo found himself notably absent from the left-back position, with Harrison Burrows getting the nod despite Firpo's impressive return of 4 goals and 10 assists over the campaign.
It seems the Dominican Republic international took this perceived snub personally. Following Leeds' dominant 4-0 victory over Bristol City, Firpo took to social media platform X, initially praising the Elland Road faithful and his teammates. "Still thinking about that atmosphere yesterday night, what a game and what a group you don’t deserve less than that performance," he posted, adding that the job wasn't done.
However, he saved his most pointed remark for the sign-off, delivering a clear, cheeky dig at the EFL's selection panel: "Yours Truly, the second-best left-back in the league." Having overcome early struggles to become a vital player and fan favourite this season, Firpo's confident assertion reflects a player who knows his worth and isn't afraid to call out what he sees as an oversight.
49ers 'sound out' trio
Despite guiding Leeds back to the top flight, certain factions from within 49ers Enterprises still harbour strong reservations about Daniel Farke's suitability in the Premier League next season. His previous top-flight tenure at Norwich City, while arguably hampered by a lack of financial support, left an 'abysmal' Premier League record that weighs heavily on the minds of some decision-makers across the Atlantic.
Paraag Marathe, the prominent figurehead of 49ers Enterprises, has flown in from California for crunch talks, his presence a clear indicator of the seriousness of the situation. While Farke prepares his side for their final day battle, the club's hierarchy have reportedly made ‘initial soundings’ for potential replacements. The names circulating are intriguing: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, former Benfica coach Roger Schmidt, and Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo.
Schmidt appears to hold particular appeal, especially considering the financial implications of sacking Farke. Schmidt, currently out of work at 58, brings a wealth of experience from managing major clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven, and Benfica. His recent spell at Benfica was nothing short of stellar – guiding them to a top-flight title, winning 80 of 115 games. His tactical approach has been lauded as having ‘one of the best styles in Europe’.
For Leeds United, potentially heading back into the challenging landscape of the Premier League, Schmidt's availability and proven track record of success with prominent European clubs offer an attractive package. He represents the kind of experienced hand that could provide stability and potentially guide the club not just to survival, but to emulate the likes of Aston Villa in establishing themselves in the top half after promotion.
So, as the final whistle blows on the Championship season, Daniel Farke faces a unique and precarious situation. He stands on the brink of delivering exactly what he was hired to do – immediate promotion, perhaps even with a trophy – yet the very success he has orchestrated seems insufficient to fully convince his employers he is the man for the next chapter. The story of Leeds United’s return to the top flight might just be written by a hand other than the one that guided them there.
Firpo's Cheeky EFL Snub
When the EFL Championship Team of the Season was revealed, not every inclusion sat right with players and fans alike. While figures like Jayden Bogle,Dan James and AO Tanaka earned their spots, Junior Firpo found himself notably absent from the left-back position, with Harrison Burrows getting the nod despite Firpo's impressive return of 4 goals and 10 assists over the campaign.
It seems the Dominican Republic international took this perceived snub personally. Following Leeds' dominant 4-0 victory over Bristol City, Firpo took to social media platform X, initially praising the Elland Road faithful and his teammates. "Still thinking about that atmosphere yesterday night, what a game and what a group you don’t deserve less than that performance," he posted, adding that the job wasn't done.
However, he saved his most pointed remark for the sign-off, delivering a clear, cheeky dig at the EFL's selection panel: "Yours Truly, the second-best left-back in the league." Having overcome early struggles to become a vital player and fan favourite this season, Firpo's confident assertion reflects a player who knows his worth and isn't afraid to call out what he sees as an oversight.