‘Leeds United fans continue to disrespect Daniel Farke – he’s done more than Marcelo Bielsa’

Daniel Farke will lead his Leeds United team out at Wembley on Sunday against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, but some sections of the 40,000 travelling fans continue to disrespect him

Daniel Farke is still considered a bit ‘marmite’ at Elland Road. While he has no shortage of support, he still leaves a bad taste in the mouths of a certain section of the Leeds United fan base. It’s safe to assume this is because Farke isn’t Marcelo Bielsa.

It’s also safe to assume, whatever Farke goes on to achieve with the Yorkshire club, he won’t have murals of himself painted around the city centre, or have a street named after him.

To some, Bielsa will always remain a managerial God. No one will ever compare to the Argentine, despite the fact that when club bosses messaged him to ask his permission for them to name the club’s training ground after him, he couldn’t be bothered to even respond.

Yet those still living in the past should focus on the present and appreciate the fact that Farke deserves comparisons to Bielsa for what he’s achieved in the last two seasons.

Like Bielsa did, Farke led Leeds to automatic promotion to the Premier League. Like Bielsa did, Farke is now on the brink of keeping Leeds in the top flight. And unlike Bielsa did, Farke has also led his club to an FA Cup semi final.

Perhaps some of the 40,000 fans heading to London today to watch Leeds take on Chelsea, will be some of those who still dream of Bielsa still being in charge.

Never mind the fact he was sacked in 2022, following four straight defeats and 17 goals conceded, which had left Leeds flirting with relegation. Maybe the joy of watching their team play in a first semi final in almost four decades will change their mind.

Perhaps the chance to reach what would be just the second appearance in an FA Cup final in the club’s history, would earn Farke more appreciation. Who knows? But it should do.

When Leeds lost four on the spin in the autumn, Farke got dog’s abuse from his own supporters as he walked around Elland Road in the wake of a home loss to Aston Villa.

But the club’s American owners held their nerve and were rewarded with a run of just one defeat in the next 11 games, which included a win over Chelsea and creditable draws with Liverpool and Manchester United.

Earlier this month Farke also inspired Leeds to their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981. If this isn’t enough to make the doubters accept Farke, then what is? But the time has come for Farke to be given the credit he deserves.

In recent times, promoted sides have returned to the Championship in a flash. But Farke has made Leeds formidable at home – and hard to beat on their travels. He had his ‘lightbulb moment’ during a tussle with the great Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, which saw Farke change his formation and tactics mid game. That was the week after the Villa debacle.

Since then, Leeds have lost just four games in all competitions. Not bad, considering Liam Rosenior managed to lose 10 in just three months, before getting sacked in the build up to this encounter.

Farke deserves a new contract this summer and he also deserves more appreciation and respect.