Mourinho Tipped as Potential Replacement for Farke at Leeds
The future of Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has come under scrutiny just days after securing promotion back to the Premier League. According to talkSPORT, former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been tipped as a potential replacement.
Mourinho, who is currently managing Turkish side Fenerbahce, has previously hinted at his willingness to return to British football. In an interview, he expressed interest in managing in Scotland, mentioning Celtic or Rangers as potential destinations. However, talkSPORT host Alan Brazil believes that Mourinho would rather join Leeds over a stint at a Scottish team.
"You tell me that he [Mourinho] would fancy Rangers ahead of Leeds? No chance. He’d want Leeds," said Brazil on talkSPORT Breakfast. Co-host Sam Ellard agreed: "He’d take a way back to the Premier League. Every day of the week."
Mourinho’s credentials make him an attractive proposition for Leeds. The 60-year-old has managed several top-tier teams, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham. His experience and success in the Premier League make him a strong candidate to take over at Elland Road.
Farke, who joined Leeds in 2023 following their relegation, has returned the Whites to the top division. However, his future is uncertain, with two years left on his contract. Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor hinted that sacking Farke could be the right decision given the ‘ruthless’ industry.
"His record in the Premier League: 52 games, 9 wins, 30 defeats," said Agbonlahor. "I just think a club of Leeds stature, they’re out of the Premier League for how many years, 18, 19 years? They’ve got back in, relegated. These owners might look at it and say nah, we’ve got to be ruthless."
Leeds secured promotion on Monday after third-place Sheffield United were defeated by Burnley. The club’s owners plan to review the managerial situation at the end of the season. However, they have been impressed by Farke’s ruthless decision to drop Illan Meslier.
The newly promoted side will hope not to follow in the footsteps of other clubs who have recently made their way out of the Championship. All three newly promoted teams suffered relegation for the first time since 1998 last season. With Southampton and Leicester on their way down, and Ipswich looking likely to join them, it will be the second season where all three newly promoted teams have been sent back to the Championship.
According to talkSPORT, the club’s owners are keen to make a strong impression in the top division and may consider making a change at the helm. With Mourinho’s experience and success, he could be an attractive proposition for Leeds. As Brazil said, "Mourinho would fancy Leeds ahead of Rangers. He’s a top manager, and he’d want to be back in the Premier League."
Mourinho’s potential appointment would be a coup for Leeds, and it remains to be seen whether he would be interested in taking over at Elland Road. One thing is certain, however: Farke’s future is uncertain, and the managerial situation at Leeds will be one to watch in the coming weeks.
The news has sparked debate among fans, with some calling for Farke to be given more time to prove himself. Others believe that a change is needed, and Mourinho would be an excellent choice. As the season draws to a close, Leeds United will be hoping to make a strong impression in the Premier League, regardless of who is at the helm.
The speculation surrounding Farke’s future is set to continue, and talkSPORT will be keeping a close eye on developments. With Mourinho’s name being touted as a potential replacement, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds. Will Farke be given more time, or will Mourinho take over at Leeds? Only time will tell.
The talkSPORT report suggests that Leeds will be reviewing Farke’s position at the end of the season, and it seems that all options are being considered.