The Leeds chairman, Paraag Marathe, has quelled rumors about Daniel Farke’s future by confirming he will continue as manager at Elland Road in the Premier League next season.
Farke guided Leeds to the Championship title and secured promotion back to the top tier in his second year leading the club.
Despite this achievement, there have been whispers that the 48447-year-old might be sacked, having previously been relegated from the Premier League while managing Norwich after earning promotion.
Marathe has now affirmed that Farke will stay. “I’m not one to respond because some random gossip paper wants to say something. I’m not going to make comments based on rumours and gossip. But now, today is that day,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I was waiting for the season to conclude. I wanted to win a trophy, just like Daniel did, just like the players did, just like all the staff did, and we got that goal.
“My plan was always to come and speak to you all right after the season concluded, and so that time is now, and I want to tell you all that I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel.”
He added: “I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have: we have Daniel Farke first of all.”
Asked to confirm if his comments put an end to speculation over the manager’s future, Marathe said:
“I have ended the speculation. He is my man. I’m really excited about collaborating with Daniel, with Robbie Evans, who we promoted to managing director, with Adam Underwood, who we promoted to sporting director, and together, we are going to build the best squad that we can with every penny that we’re allowed to spend to go and compete in the Premier League.”
Marathe spearheaded 49ers Enterprises’ acquisition of Leeds in July 2023. Farke’s first season in charge concluded with the disappointment of a playoff final loss to Southampton at Wembley.
But promotion back to the top flight was clinched with a 6-0 triumph over Stoke in April, followed by a late winner at Plymouth on Saturday to secure the Championship’s top position.