Paul Robinson has admitted he had concerns over Daniel Farke as Leeds United struggled at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Leeds opened the season with two disappointing results, drawing 3-3 with newly promoted Portsmouth before losing 3-0 to Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup.
Farke’s side, however, has massively improved since then, keeping three clean sheets on the bounce against West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, sitting fourth in the Championship table.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I was concerned after two games, conceding three games against Portsmouth and the way they capitulated against Middlesbrough. The concerning thing was how many goals were conceded.
“I did the research, looked at the players, and I came home after that game worried about Leeds and the season. I don’t think Rutter had left the club yet. With the potential outgoings and the players Farke had.
“There were positives to take from the Portsmouth game – they could have been 4-0 up after 20 minutes. But the way they played against Middlesbrough was worrying.
You’d question the manager, you’d question the players who played and conceded six goals in two games, but then they get a really good draw at West Brom and a against a difficult Sheffield Wednesday side.
“Then, the game against Hull City. He has allayed the fears. What you can give the manager credit for is the way he has turned it around in a short amount of time, keeping three clean sheets in a row. There was a lot of concern but he was given the ability to turn it around.”
Daniel Farke delivers after tough start for Leeds United
While Leeds fans were disappointed to miss out on Premier League promotion last season, losing narrowly to Southampton in the play-off final, there are reasons for hope right now.
If one man is capable of securing promotion out of the Championship this season, it is likely going to be Farke, who has plenty of experience in the division already.
The German has taken Norwich City out of the Championship on two separate occasions, and he now has the full backing at Elland Road to do the exact same for the Whites this season.
