49ers Enterprises have backed Daniel Farke as the right man for the Leeds United job both publicly and privately this summer.
Almost immediately after Leeds‘ play-off final defeat to Southampton, Paraag Marathe came out and declared his full faith in Farke, who then spoke about his good relationship with the owners on Thursday.
Farke is set to head into his second season in charge at Elland Road but certainly has more pressure on his shoulders than this time 12 months ago.
The former Norwich City boss inherited a club in a complete mess following relegation and so was afforded time to steady the ship, all be it ultimately failing to reach the final goal of promotion.
Given the squad he ended up having at his disposal, many supporters viewed that as a failure for Farke and so with a much more settled group of players this time around, the pressure is onto deliver.
Bowyer sends warning to Leeds on eve of new season
Leeds begin their new campaign with a home match against last season’s League One champions Portsmouth, and should be full of confidence after four wins from four in pre-season.
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, Leeds have a fully fit squad heading into the match and a good start could set the tone for the season.
Leeds are many people’s favourites to win promotion this season and with the likes of Georginio Rutter, Wilfried Gnonto and Ethan Ampadu still in the squad, it is not hard to see why.
Though there is still three weeks of the window remaining, if they were to stay beyond this month there is little to no chance of that trio giving Leeds a third season at this level.
Speaking on talkSPORT today, former Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer believes this season is ‘make-or-break’ for Farke due to the financial implications another year of Championship football could have.
He said: “I think it will be tough, I think it will be harder than last year. Losing Summerville, he was the player that always got them out of trouble last season, he is a massive loss. And they have lost a couple of others.
“I just think it’s make-or-break season for them because they obviously had the parachute payments from the season before. So I think it’s going to be hard for them. I hope they go up because the Premiership is a better place with Leeds in it, but I just think it’s going to be so tough.
Farke under pressure at Leeds to deliver
Though it is quite clear Farke has a very healthy working relationship with the owners, a slow start to the campaign could be detrimental for him.
49ers will be as keen as anyone for Leeds to be a Premier League club again so that they can finally flex their financial muscle.
As parachute payments reduce year on year, they will know this season is the best chance they will have of being able to win promotion.
If by November Leeds are as off the pace as last season, it would not be a surprise if the 49ers decide to make a change.
