Leeds consider sacking Farke days after promotion – three potential replacements | OneFootball

Leeds United will consider whether to dismiss manager Daniel Farke, even though he has helped them secure automatic promotion to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail.

While Elland Road is still bouncing with joy after securing a place in the top flight, the hierarchy could be considering a change.

Decision-makers at the club have reservations about Farke in the Premier League. After twice taking Norwich City to the top English division, the German manager suffered two relegations with the Canaries.

During his second stint, Farke became the only manager in Premier League history to lose 15 consecutive games. The Whites are rightly worried that he might not keep them up.

Leeds have not made a decision and won’t until they have the perfect replacement. Read on as we explore the most likely candidates to take the reins this summer.

Gary O’Neil (Free)

Wolverhampton Wanderers dismissed Gary O’Neil after a 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town in December. His 15-month reign ended with Wolves in 19th place in the Premier League.

His sacking was unfair, considering they lost several key players and did not back him in the transfer window. He worked under the same austere situation the previous year but managed to secure survival comfortably.

O’Neil also did a remarkable job at Bournemouth when he was in charge, defying the odds to keep them up before getting the boot as the club decided to go in a different direction.

O’Neil has top-flight experience and can work with a limited budget. His teams are dogged and hard to beat – qualities Leeds need to survive.

He is also unencumbered with a job, giving Leeds a free run at his signature. The 41-year-old will likely be on their radar.

Steve Cooper (Free)

Leicester City sacked Steve Cooper in December, with the club in 16th place. However, his exit did not improve their fortunes, as they still suffered relegation.

Despite the disappointing end, Cooper remains a respected figure in English football. He led Nottingham Forest to promotion in 2022, transforming a struggling Championship side into a cohesive Premier League outfit in less than a year.

Cooper is known for instilling structure and discipline while also nurturing talent. The latter point will be a key consideration for Leeds, whose squad includes several promising players such as Wilfried Gnonto and Harry Gray.

He has Premier League experience, and his ability to organise a team defensively could appeal to the Elland Road hierarchy.

Out of work and eager to prove himself again, Cooper would be a viable candidate should Leeds decide to change direction. His pedigree, coupled with his availability, puts him firmly in the conversation.

Will Still (RC Lens)

Young manager Will Still caught the eye when he led Stade de Reims on a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run.

He joined Lens last summer and guided the club to a top-half finish, establishing himself as one of the brightest young coaches in the game.

Leeds should consider taking the punt on the Belgium-born coach. His teams play attractive football while putting in remarkable defensive effort – a mantra that he posits is non-negotiable.

Lens play stylish, attacking football. Still focuses on overloads, but his team keeps it tight at the other end of the pitch with 12 clean sheets and only 33 goals conceded this term. Paris Saint-Germain and Lille are the only other teams that have shipped fewer goals.

Still has been linked to Southampton and Sunderland. He is reportedly open to taking a job in England. Leeds could be at the front of the queue for his signature.