The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 6th May) - Streets of Leeds turn White, Blue and Yellow
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 6th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Streets of Leeds turn White, Blue and Yellow
More than 150,000 jubilant fans, a wave of white, blue, and yellow, surged through the city streets. It had been 33 long years since silverware graced the streets on an open-top bus, a drought that had only intensified the passion and yearning for this moment. The COVID-19 pandemic had cruelly robbed the city of its deserved celebration in 2020 upon their promotion, but the Elland Road faithful were determined to make up for lost time, and they did so in spectacular fashion.
Leeds City Council had anticipated a significant turnout, but even their expectations were dwarfed by the sheer number of supporters who flooded the streets. By mid-morning, City Square was virtually impassable. A kaleidoscope of flags fluttered in the wind, the air thick with the blue and yellow smoke of celebratory flares. The crowd resembled a living, breathing organism, pulsating with pure joy and unadulterated pride.
The desire for a better vantage point fueled a collective ingenuity. Spectators, determined to catch a glimpse of their heroes, clambered onto anything that offered elevation. Platforms and planters became prime real estate, offering relatively safe havens amidst the throngs. More daring fans scaled bus shelters, street signs, and even traffic lights, transforming the urban landscape into a playground of celebration.
But even those who couldn't secure a prime viewing spot were undeterred. Visibility was secondary to participation. The sheer act of being there, shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow supporters, united in a shared moment of history, was enough. The roar of the crowd, the scent of smoke, the collective energy – it was an experience that transcended the visual.
This was more than just a victory parade; it was a cathartic release, a collective exhale after years of longing and near misses. It was a testament to the unwavering loyalty of the Leeds United fans, a vibrant and unforgettable chapter in the club's storied history. The city had erupted, painted in the colors of triumph, a euphoric scene that would forever be etched in the memory of every Leeds supporter who witnessed it. The Premier League was calling, and the champions were ready.
Marathe initiated Farke rumours after offering hot seat to Mourinho
Legendary sports presenter and journalist Richard Keys has made a striking claim, insisting that Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe initiated the recent Daniel Farke sacking rumour by directly offering the Elland Road hot seat to Jose Mourinho.
Despite Daniel Farke successfully guiding Leeds United back to the Premier League, securing the Championship title in dramatic fashion, rumours persisted that his job might not be safe. Throughout the closing stages of the Championship season and immediately after promotion, talk circulated regarding Leeds potentially looking to replace the German manager with a different figure for their top-flight return.
Farke himself remained tight-lipped on the persistent sack speculation. However, following Leeds' impressive triumph in clinching the Championship title on the final day, club officials ultimately backed Farke to lead the team into the Premier League campaign. During the period of uncertainty, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was among the high-profile names linked with the potential vacancy. At the time, Keys publicly stated his belief that the Portuguese manager would "set Elland Road alight" should he take the reins.
Now, Keys has doubled down and escalated his previous comments. He insists that the root cause of the intense speculation over Farke's job security was not merely media conjecture but stemmed directly from the club's hierarchy. According to Keys, Leeds supremo Paraag Marathe actively approached Mourinho with an offer for the managerial role. However, Keys also provided Mourinho's reported response. He claims the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid boss declined the alleged offer, primarily because he was unwilling to involve himself in a potential relegation battle, which would likely be the focus for a newly promoted side like Leeds United.
Leeds’ chairman, Paraag Marathe is quite pleased with himself after publicly backing Daniel Farke ‘I have ended the speculation’ he said. ‘He is my man'” What he’s not saying is he started the speculation by offering Farke’s job to Jose Mourinho. I know that for a fact. It was Mourinho who actually ended the speculation by turning the offer down. It was a smart move by Marathe. Mourinho would’ve set Elland Road alight and the PL is always better when he’s working in it. Sadly, Marathe couldn’t convince Mourinho that Leeds won’t be fighting a relegation battle next season. That’s not something the Special One wants. Perhaps he’s right. Perhaps he agrees with Wenger, but it’s a pity.