Gabby Agbonlahor has previewed Sunday’s Championship play-off final between Leeds United and Southampton and has hinted that if Leeds lose, then it could see the end of Daniel Farke.
Leeds and Southampton do battle in what is coined the most-expensive game in football, with the prize of the Premier League at stake. Whoever wins, will gain an instant return to the top tier after relegation.
A game that promises to be a close affair, Leeds have regained momentum ahead of the trip to Wembley. Leeds suffered four defeats in six, two straight losses and one clean sheet in eight before the play-offs.
But a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road against Norwich reminded the Leeds players that they can be defensively solid and then, the 4-0 win over Norwich reconnected players and fans in the cauldron of Elland Road.
It sees Leeds go into the final, with a place in the Premier League at stake. Gabby Agbonlahor was asked about the game and he said it was 50-50 going into the game, and whoever turns up on the day will win.
Gabby Agbonlahor worries for Daniel Farke if Leeds lose final
The play-offs have already seen one casualty in David Wagner sacked by Norwich City after the defeat to Leeds, while West Brom look set to continue with Carlos Corberan after their loss to Southampton.
Agbonlahor told TalkSPORT (Thursday, 6.50AM) that whoever loses the final could be in danger of being sacked given the pressure on both Southampton and Leeds to gain promotion at the first attempt.
“It’s a 50-50 for me, whoever turns up on the day,” Agbonlahor said on Sunday’s clash. “David Wagner got sacked and it wouldn’t surprise me whoever loses on Sunday, their manager could get sacked.
“It’s ruthless. Leeds have got more pace up front, Summerville, Gnonto. Southampton play proper attacking football, it will be an entertaining game for sure,” the outspoken pundit added on Thursday.
Danny Mills and Lee Sharpe comment on Farke’s Leeds future
There has been talk of a potential sacking among those on social media ahead of Sunday’s final, given the pressure on both clubs and indeed their managers, Leeds and Southampton are Premier League clubs.
Danny Mills recently said that it would be “ridiculous” if The 49ers chose to sack Farke if Leeds do end up losing on Sunday. Lee Sharpe concurred, stating he must be given a chance to build something at Leeds.
Indeed, Farke has made it clear that had you asked him back in September if Leeds could be promoted in his first season, he would have said no chance. But now, he has a chance to take The Whites back up.