Troy Deeney’s concerns about Daniel Farke’s ability to keep Leeds United in the Premier League are understandable, given Farke’s history at Norwich City. While Farke has undeniably proven himself as one of the Championship’s top managers, securing two promotions with Norwich and being well on course to achieve a third with Leeds, his record in the top flight leaves much to be desired. With just six wins from 49 Premier League matches and two relegations with Norwich, doubts about whether he can adapt his tactics to keep a team in the division are justified.
However, Leeds United in 2025 will be a vastly different challenge compared to Norwich City in 2019 and 2021. One of the biggest issues Farke faced at Norwich was the severe lack of investment, with the club unwilling—or unable—to provide the financial backing needed to build a squad capable of staying in the Premier League. Both times, Norwich entered the top flight with a squad largely made up of Championship-level players, relying on a possession-based style that quickly came unstuck against higher-quality opposition. Farke was never truly given the opportunity to strengthen his team to the degree necessary for survival, which ultimately cost him his job in 2021.
At Leeds, the situation is different. The club is now under the ownership of 49ers Enterprises, an ambitious ownership group with significant financial resources and a clear plan to make Leeds a stable Premier League side. There have already been indications that the new owners are willing to invest heavily in the squad if promotion is secured, and this could be a game-changer for Farke. Unlike at Norwich, where he had to work with limited funds, he may finally have the chance to build a team that can genuinely compete at the highest level.
Additionally, while Farke’s Premier League record is poor, it is worth considering that many successful managers have initially struggled in the top flight before adapting and improving. The Premier League is an unforgiving league where tactical flexibility and squad depth are crucial. If Farke can learn from his mistakes at Norwich and adjust his approach—potentially adding more pragmatism to his attacking philosophy—he could prove his doubters wrong. Leeds already play a more balanced style under Farke compared to his Norwich teams, so there are signs that he has evolved as a coach.
Another major factor in Leeds’ potential Premier League survival will be the quality of their recruitment this summer. If Leeds do return to the top flight, they will need to bring in players with Premier League experience and physicality to cope with the demands of the league. Farke will have to work closely with the club’s recruitment team to ensure that the squad is not only talented but also adaptable to different tactical situations. Leeds fans will remember how their last spell in the Premier League ended—with an unbalanced squad, managerial instability, and a lack of investment in key areas. If those mistakes are avoided this time, the club will have a far better chance of staying up.
Ultimately, while Deeney’s skepticism is reasonable, it is perhaps premature to write off Farke’s ability to keep Leeds in the Premier League before he has even had the chance to prove himself in a different environment. If given the right backing and if he can continue evolving as a manager, there is every chance that he can rebuild his reputation in the top flight. The Championship is one thing, but Leeds’ long-term goal is to establish themselves as a stable Premier League club again. Whether Farke is the man to achieve that remains to be seen, but he has earned the right to be given that opportunity.
What do you think—do you agree with Deeney’s doubts, or do you believe Farke can succeed with the right backing at Leeds?