Leeds United are in some strife this season. After a strong start, the Whites find themselves in another relegation fight, with just 11 points to their name. That puts them one point clear of the drop zone, and with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest now two unbeaten, they could get caught.
Perhaps this was to be expected by Leeds fans at the start of the season. ESPN journalist Bill Connelly was someone who thought they’d go straight back down to the Championship, explaining that they “probably will have to figure out how to get by with defensive organisation and random bursts of quality attacking.”
Well, it’s not worked out like that so far, with manager Daniel Farke’s future now under question again.
Why Farke’s Leeds future is in doubt
Connelly identified a strong defence and clinical attacking bursts as the keys to how the Whites could keep themselves in the Premier League. Those two things have both been lacking so far this term.
Defensively, the West Yorkshire outfit have left a lot to be desired. They’ve been leaky at the back and have conceded 20 goals.
Despite signing three attackers in the summer, Farke’s side have managed to score just ten goals, better only than bottom-place Wolves.
This has, once again, brought the German’s job into question. He was reportedly close to getting sacked last season, but Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said Farke is “my man” going into the Premier League adventure.
Circumstances can change quickly, though. Now, reports are suggesting Farke has five games to save himself. After losing the first one against Nottingham Forest before the international break, games against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool await.
It does seem inevitable that Leeds will have to sack their manager sooner or later. They seem to have a new boss lined up who could get them thriving in front of goal again.
Leeds’ perfect Farke replacement
If Farke is removed from his post as Leeds head coach, journalist Graeme Bailey recently put forward a name for who could replace him.
He says that the pressure is piling on, especially ‘when you have a manager like Brendan Rodgers available,’ a man Leeds could well move for if they sack the German.
Rodgers was once described as a “world-class” manager by Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT, after his impressive performances at Leicester City.
The Foxes were punching above their weight for years, partly thanks to the Northern Irishman’s contributions.
At the King Power Stadium, he looked to capitalise on quick transitional situations, with some dangerous attacking players at his disposal. Those included the likes of James Maddison and star striker Jamie Vardy.
In fact, getting the best out of his strikers has always been a key feature of Rodgers’ management, no matter what club he was at.
He has coached some big-name centre-forwards, including Vardy and Luis Suarez, all of whom have enjoyed success under the Northern Irishman.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
157
70
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
81
61
Moussa Dembele (Celtic)
94
51
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester, Celtic)
151
46
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
70
43
That could be music to Leeds fans’ ears, given their difficulties in front of goal. Perhaps Rodgers – and his attack-minded 4-3-3 setup – can be the guy to finally get them thriving in front of goal.
He may have a new striker to work with, too. Troy Parrott is a target for the club, according to recent reports, and could be on the move this January.
He has been on fire with club side AZ Alkmaar since moving there last summer, and has 33 goals and seven assists in 61 games.
Of course, he was the hero for the Republic of Ireland last week, helping them reach the World Cup playoffs.
That is exactly the sort of goalscoring prowess that Leeds are lacking at the moment. Despite having three strikers on the books, they are missing that clinical edge in front of goal.
Parrott, however, has just that, and could be the difference maker – much like Vardy was in the past under Rodgers.
With Rodgers’ impressive track record working with strikers, Parrott could be the next number nine the potential Leeds boss gets the best out of.
Together, they might be the perfect pair to get Leeds scoring goals and get them out of this relegation battle.
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