Amidst the last round of Premier League matches, Leeds won 1-0 against Fulham with a last-gasp winner, marking another milestone in Daniel Farke’s Premier League return this season.
The Yorkshire side have only lost once in their last nine Premier League matches, indicating that they are likely to stay in the Premier League. But does this change of fortunes indicate that the German has the required credentials to manage in the Premier League?
Daniel Farke’s Premier League Return: A Marked Improvement From His Tenure At Norwich
Before this season, Daniel Farke had previously obtained promotion twice as Norwich manager. However, Daniel Farke‘s Premier League return with Leeds has produced significantly better results than with Norwich.
Norwich, currently languishing near the bottom of the Championship, had a 12% win percentage under Daniel Farke, recording only six wins and conceding a staggering 101 goals. In addition, 35 of his matches in charge in the Premier League were recorded as losses.
The Canaries also suffered their record defeat with Daniel Farke at the helm, as Chelsea defeated Farke’s side 7-1 at Stamford Bridge.
However, Daniel Farke’s Premier League return with Leeds has not been an easy ride for the German. Reports before the end of last season indicated that Leeds’ ownership were contemplating replacing the manager before the season had even started.
This did not prove to be the case. However, Leeds have had some struggles this season, indicating why the side are currently in 16th on the Premier League table, despite a largely positive run. However, the reaction Farke’s side have produced when the manager has been under pressure has differed to that of Norwich, indicating why this season is different for Leeds.
With matches against Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon in December, Farke’s job was under pressure once more, with some reports indicating that the German would be removed from his position should he not obtain results. Those two matches proved to be the turnaround for Farke, sparking their current run, which has seen one Premier League defeat in nine games.
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Daniel Farke’s Premier League Return: The Star Performers
In Daniel Farke’s previous seasons as a manager in the Premier League, the recruitment of players has been somewhat wide of the mark. However, the recruitment of some players this season has fuelled Leeds’ survival push in a more positive manner.
According to Sofascore, midfielder Anton Stach is Leeds’ highest average-rated player this season, recording a 7.05 rating in his matches played. Stach is a tall, physical presence, biting into tackles to enhance Leeds’ solidity in midfield.
The tenacity and bite which Stach provided have been replicated by fellow midfielder Sean Longstaff, who joined from Newcastle at the start of the season. When Longstaff joined the club, he was not hailed as an exciting signing. He was hailed as a necessary signing, who would use his Premier League experience to do the necessary job required.
Longstaff has achieved a rating of 6.99 in his matches played this season, and has therefore done what has been required of him.
Leeds’ top scorer, with nine goals, is also a new addition. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had injury woes and inconsistencies previously. However, aided by a good recent run, he has topped Leeds’ goalscoring charts.
There has been a marked improvement in management in Daniel Farke’s Premier League return, and Leeds look all set to continue in the Premier League next season. However, there has still been some negativity around Daniel Farke, and the German will need to continue producing results and push Leeds further up the Premier League table to solidify his credentials to manage in the top flight.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / News Images
Recording Date: 17.01.2026
