Ian Wright Singled Out Daniel Farke For This Big Reason: Are Leeds United Heading In The Right Direction? | OneFootball

Leeds United are right on the edge of securing their Premier League safety, and the rest of the football world is finally sitting up and taking notice. Speaking with Gary Neville and Roy Keane, Ian Wright singled out Daniel Farke for some serious credit, noting that the German’s return to the top flight has been a real success story. Wright made the point that Farke hasn’t just survived; he’s built a side that actually look like it belongs at this level, which is a massive achievement when you consider how often promoted clubs go straight back down.

“You know what? That (Daniel) Farke has done well again. He’s come back, and you have to give him something. The man has gone there, come back (into the Premier League), and now they’re actually here, and they look half decent. He’s done well, Farke.”

Ian Wright’s praise of Farke shows why Leeds United made the right call

The timing of Wright’s praise is spot on. Leeds have hit 43 points, a tally that has historically guaranteed safety, following a 3-1 win over Burnley last Friday that put them nine points clear of the drop. Even before that, they pulled off a historic 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford, their first in 45 years, with Noah Okafor’s brace proving this team have real teeth.

Farke also took Leeds on a deep FA Cup run, only narrowly losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Wembley in the semi-finals. His total record of 73 wins from 145 games (averaging 1.81 points per match) shows this isn’t down to luck; it’s consistent quality. It wasn’t always easy, and a rough patch in the autumn had people questioning his job, but Farke fixed the tactical leaks, made the tough call to swap Lucas Perri for Karl Darlow in goal, and kept the players’ heads in the game.

Does Wright’s verdict tell Leeds United fans everything about the club’s direction?

LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road on May 01, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

I honestly feel yes, and the Elland Road faithful should feel they have been proven right. Farke took plenty of heat early in the season, but the board’s decision to stay patient instead of panic-firing him has paid off. While the old criticisms about his time at Norwich were fair at the time, they ignored the fact that Farke has clearly evolved as a coach.