Elland Road’s home dugout, Thorp Arch, the city of Leeds and its surroundings are all new to Daniel Farke, but he’s been here before and that’s the key. Leeds United haven’t felt the painful stabs of a relegation summer since 2007 and the malaise which has hung over the club in recent months can be hard to lift.
Thankfully, their new German manager knows exactly what is required in these circumstances. Farke knows what Premier League relegation does to clubs, the pain it causes, the stalling of the engine, but also what it takes to not only reignite the fire, but fuel it to a Championship title.
Farke’s first crown with Norwich City may not have come directly after a relegation, but the second did. After tasting the top-flight drop in 2020, the then Carrow Road chief oversaw an immediate slingshot back into the big time 12 months later.
