Daniel Farke Must Learn From Past Mistakes as Leeds’ Promotion Hopes Hang in the Balance
Daniel Farke arrived at Leeds United with a reputation as a proven Championship manager, having twice guided Norwich City to promotion. His experience was meant to provide the leadership and tactical nous necessary to navigate the demanding 46-game season and secure an immediate return to the Premier League. However, as the campaign reaches its decisive phase, Leeds’ automatic promotion bid is beginning to falter. The 2-2 draw against Swansea City on March 29 was yet another frustrating result, made worse by costly mistakes and questionable selection choices that have raised concerns about whether Farke has truly learned from his past errors.
This was not just a standard dropped two points—it was a game that Leeds should have won, but instead, they conceded a devastating 96th-minute equaliser that could have significant consequences in the promotion race. The Yorkshire club has now been overtaken at the top of the Championship by Sheffield United, who hold a two-point advantage, while Burnley have drawn level on points with Leeds, only trailing due to goal difference. With just a few matches remaining, the margin for error is getting slimmer, and Farke must ensure his team doesn’t suffer further setbacks if they want to avoid the lottery of the play-offs.
Farke Took a Big Risk With Ampadu
One of the biggest talking points from the Swansea match was Farke’s decision to start Ethan Ampadu, despite the club captain only just returning from a knee injury. Ampadu has been one of Leeds’ most important and consistent players this season, but throwing him straight back into the starting lineup without easing him back into match fitness was a significant gamble.
The Welsh international struggled to get up to speed, looking off the pace for much of the game before being withdrawn after 58 minutes. Swansea’s midfield exploited his lack of sharpness, and Leeds never looked fully in control of proceedings. Ampadu is usually a dominant presence, but against Swansea, he lacked his usual composure and influence.
While his inclusion wasn’t the sole reason Leeds failed to take all three points, it certainly didn’t help. Swansea were able to dictate the tempo in midfield, and Leeds lacked the authority they usually have with a fully fit Ampadu leading from the back.
This is a pattern we have seen before under Farke. It’s not the first time he has taken a chance on a key player who isn’t fully fit, and more often than not, it has backfired. Last season, he made a similar mistake by rushing Georginio Rutter back into action during a critical phase of the season, and it ended up hurting the team rather than helping them.
Playing an unfit player is always a gamble, and in some cases, it can pay off. However, Ampadu’s performance against Swansea suggests that Farke miscalculated this time. He might add quality when fully fit, but if he’s unable to immediately adapt, then his inclusion does more harm than good.
Leeds Must Learn from Past Mistakes
Farke has a reputation for sticking to his principles, but as the stakes get higher, he must be willing to adapt and learn from previous errors. Leeds cannot afford to take unnecessary risks at this stage of the season.
It’s understandable that Farke wanted to get his captain back on the pitch as soon as possible, but a more cautious approach might have been the wiser choice. Ampadu could have been eased back in gradually, perhaps coming off the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting XI.
This is a mistake that many managers have made in high-pressure situations—gambling on star players, hoping that their presence alone will be enough to secure a result. But in reality, football is about more than just individual quality; it’s about fitness, sharpness, and cohesion.
Leeds suffered from similar issues last season, when injuries and selection gambles disrupted the team’s rhythm during the run-in. Farke cannot allow history to repeat itself, or Leeds risk facing another heartbreak in their promotion bid.
Leeds’ Late-Game Struggles Are Becoming a Problem
While Ampadu’s selection was a major talking point, the biggest issue from the Swansea game was Leeds’ inability to see out a match they should have won. Conceding in the 96th minute is not just about bad luck—it’s a recurring issue that suggests Leeds have a problem with game management and defensive discipline in key moments.
This isn’t the first time Leeds have failed to hold onto a result late in a match this season, and it speaks to a worrying trend. There have been multiple occasions where they have let leads slip or conceded late goals, and that is something Farke must address urgently.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier was at fault for both Swansea goals, continuing a concerning run of inconsistent performances. Meslier is a talented shot-stopper, but his errors have directly cost Leeds valuable points this season. At a time when the club needs stability at the back, these lapses in concentration are proving costly.
The team as a whole needs to show more composure and discipline when defending late in games. Whether it’s tactical adjustments, substitutions, or simply a shift in mentality, Farke must ensure that Leeds are able to see out results without unnecessary drama.
The Road Ahead: No More Room for Error
With Sheffield United now in pole position for the title and Burnley right behind them, Leeds must respond quickly. Automatic promotion is still within their grasp, but they can’t afford any more unnecessary setbacks.
Farke must put out the fittest and most prepared squad possible for the final matches. The temptation to rush key players back into action will be there, but he needs to be smart about his selections. The focus should be on fielding players who are fully match-fit and ready to contribute at 100%.
Leeds also need to improve their ability to manage games in the final minutes. The Championship is a relentless league, and fine margins often determine promotion. If Leeds continue to concede late goals, they will find themselves in the play-offs rather than the automatic spots—a scenario that every Leeds supporter would prefer to avoid.
Farke has done a lot of good things this season, but he now faces his biggest test. Can he adapt, make the right calls, and guide Leeds back to the Premier League? Or will the same mistakes that have haunted his teams in the past come back to cost him once again? The next few weeks will define not just Leeds’ season, but potentially Farke’s long-term future at the club.