Daniel Farke has Leeds on course for survival in just their fourth top-tier season in 22 years. The German manager, known for his human touch and pragmatic approach, has twice come close to the sack but has led the team towards safety and a first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.
Farke's down-to-earth style is reminiscent of title-winning predecessor Howard Wilkinson. Both share a love of literary fiction; Farke, a Gabriel García Márquez fan, wrote several chapters of a book before discarding it. He describes himself as a football romantic who has learned that romanticism should not blind one to reality.
With Premier League survival all but secured and Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley, Farke has hit the right balance. His brand of football suits teams that dominate possession, but he has adapted to ensure a just-promoted team survives. Leeds have only been in the top tier four times in 22 years, making this season a significant achievement.
Farke twice faced potential sacking. After promotion, a boardroom argument saw chair Paraag Marathe declare: 'Daniel's our man.' In November, with relegation looming, Leeds trailed Manchester City 2-0 at half-time. Farke switched to a 3-5-2 formation with substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin, sparking a revival that saw Calvert-Lewin score seven goals in six games and Leeds collect 28 points from the next 20 games.
Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp are among Farke's admirers. Guardiola often discusses tactics with him, and Klopp said he would want Farke and Guardiola on a desert island. Thomas Tuchel, a friend from Dortmund days, shares Farke's humour.
Farke, a former lower-division striker, was known for his finishing but lack of pace. He combined football with academic studies, earning an MA in economics and a diploma in sporting directorship. He became sporting director at Lippstadt but also managed the team due to budget constraints, leading them from the sixth tier to the fourth.
Farke's ability to improve players is evident. After selling Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, and Crysencio Summerville for over £100m in 2024, he built a new team. Ethan Ampadu's captaincy has been inspired, and faith in Brenden Aaronson and Calvert-Lewin has paid off. Noah Okafor credits Farke with giving him confidence and making hard work fun.
Farke left Krasnodar after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, stating that life's serious side took over. Four years on, he has reintroduced Leeds fans to joy, confounding critics along the way.
