Leeds United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in The Championship play-off final on Sunday and inevitably, some fans have questioned Daniel Farke’s future but Phil Hay has an update.
Farke watched on as his Leeds side fell to Southampton for a third time this season, unable to break The Saints down despite plenty of attacking talent in the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
Adam Armstrong’s goal proved to be the only goal of the game, as he latched on to a pass from Will Smallbone to score. Troy Deeney criticised captain Ethan Ampadu for stepping out of the defensive line.
Dan James injected some life into Leeds off the bench, crashing a shot off the underside of the bar and having another saved by goalkeeper Alex McCarthy who was excellent for Southampton on the day.
As is often the case, a handful of Leeds fans have criticised Farke on social media after the match and called for his sacking after Leeds failed to get promoted, but Hay has shared The 49ers’ stance on it.
Phil Hay shares what The 49ers think about Farke’s future
It must be remembered that this season was an anomaly in comparison to other Championship seasons. No other side in history have secured 90 points and failed to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds beat both Leicester and Ipswich home and away, and boasted a goal difference of +38 with Illan Meslier winning the golden boot. In a normal season, automatic promotion would be a given.
But this was not a normal season and the club’s third-placed finish means Leeds had to contend with the play-offs and then, Southampton in the final which ended in defeat to Adam Armstrong’s 24th goal.
Hay reported, on The Athletic: “Sources close to the 49ers have indicated over the past few weeks that they were minded to stick with Farke however the season ended. He has three years left on his contract.
“Leeds’ owners believe the general picture is a positive one. They like his demeanour and temperament, and doesn’t often talk himself into trouble in the media. Already discussed pre-season plans in Europe.”
Leeds now expected to conduct exodus after promotion failure
While Farke looks set to stay put even after losing in the play-off final and going out without much more than a whimper, a handful of players will have to be sold in order to raise funds and balance the books.
Jon Newsome spoke after the defeat to Southampton and predicted the exits for five key players. He says Joe Rodon will go back to Tottenham and expects both Summerville and Willy Gnonto to be sold.
Newsome also reckons Ethan Ampadu could generate interest, while Dan James could leave and join Southampton. There will be some sales and there might be a few surprises along the way.