Leeds United’s return to the Premier League has come with intense speculation about the future of their head coach, Daniel Farke. After guiding the Whites back to the top flight, Farke now faces mounting pressure to prove he can keep Leeds up. Bookmakers have even installed him as an early favorite in the “sack race” for the new season. With questions looming over Farke’s Premier League pedigree and a daunting fixture list ahead, many fans and pundits are already debating who could be the next Leeds United manager if things go south. We delve into the current situation at Elland Road, why Farke’s position is under scrutiny, and which candidates could be in line to replace him.
Current Leeds United Manager
Daniel Farke was appointed Leeds United manager in July 2023 on a four-year deal, tasked with rebuilding the club after its relegation from the Premier League. The former Norwich City boss arrived with a strong Championship résumé (two second-tier titles with Norwich) and immediately set out to secure promotion. Leeds had been “recently relegated” and eager to bounce back. In the 2023–24 Championship campaign, Farke’s team started strong – at one point leading the table – but ultimately “lost their lead in the table and failed to qualify for the Premier League” that season, falling just short of promotion. Despite that setback, the club’s 49ers Enterprises ownership kept faith in Farke, opting not to sack him after the sensational late collapse.
Their patience paid off in Farke’s second year. The German manager led Leeds through the 2024–25 season with determination and clinched promotion on the final day in dramatic fashion. Leeds finished as Championship title winners, marking a return to the Premier League after two seasons away. Throughout this period, Farke cultivated a sense of unity and resilience in the squad, overcoming the disappointment of the previous year. The “current situation at the club” is that Leeds are back “among the elite,” but now the real challenge begins: surviving in the Premier League and establishing the club at that level once again. Farke enters the 2025–26 season as the man in charge at Elland Road, buoyed by the promotion success but fully aware that the toughest test is yet to come.
Reasons for Daniel Farke’s Departure
Despite the credit Daniel Farke earned for delivering promotion, his position at Leeds is far from secure. In fact, bookmakers have singled him out as a prime candidate for the first managerial dismissal of the 2025–26 Premier League season. According to early odds, Farke was “installed as the favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked”. This reflects a lack of confidence in his top-flight track record. Indeed, Farke’s previous Premier League experience with Norwich City was notoriously poor: his teams won only 6 out of 49 Premier League matches under his stewardship (with 35 defeats). Such stats have led to “questions remain over Farke’s Premier League record” and whether he can tactically adapt to keep Leeds competitive at the highest level.
Another factor fueling speculation is the club’s acknowledgement of how brutal the Premier League can be for newly promoted sides. Fans and analysts are concerned about the growing gap between the Premier League and the Championship, a gap Leeds must quickly bridge to avoid relegation. Recent history offers a stark warning: in most seasons, at least two of the three promoted clubs go straight back down, and in 2024–25, all three promoted teams (Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton) were relegated immediately. This trend underscores how difficult survival has become, lending credence to supporters’ fears that Leeds could face a similar struggle. Farke’s critics point out that he has not yet proven capable of bucking this “yo-yo” trend at the Premier League level.
Moreover, circumstances around Leeds United add to the pressure on Farke. The club has been pursuing an active transfer policy this summer to bolster the squad for Premier League battles. Leeds have brought in several new players – Sebastiaan Bornauw, Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Sean Longstaff among others – in an attempt to strengthen key positions. However, almost none of these newcomers have substantial Premier League experience. Bornauw (from Wolfsburg), Nmecha (Wolfsburg), Bijol (Udinese), and Gudmundsson (Lille) are all arriving from foreign leagues. Only Sean Longstaff has played in the Premier League before, and he was largely a rotation player at Newcastle United, making 25 league appearances last season. This raises questions about how quickly the new signings can adapt to the pace and physicality of English top-flight football. If the squad struggles to gel early on, the blame may fall on the manager for not getting them up to speed.
The fixture list has done Farke no favors either. Leeds face a daunting start to life back in the Premier League – among their first seven opponents are Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom are Champions League qualifiers for the upcoming season. In fact, after an opening home game, the “big games keep coming as they travel to Arsenal the following weekend before … hosting Newcastle” at Elland Road to finish August, and by early October they will welcome Spurs as well. This brutal early schedule will be a serious test for the newly promoted side. Should Leeds fail to pick up points in the first few rounds, there’s a real risk of the team falling into a psychological hole – a crisis of confidence that can set the tone for a relegation battle. A poor start often creates enormous pressure, and club executives may feel compelled to act (i.e. change the manager) to rescue the season if Leeds languish near the bottom after the first 8–10 matches.
It’s worth noting that Farke does enjoy support from the club’s hierarchy to some extent. The 49ers Enterprises ownership and chairman Paraag Marathe stood by him even after the failed promotion in 2024, emphasizing that Farke was not a short-term fix but the man chosen to lead Leeds back up and keep them up. By not dismissing him in tough times, Leeds’ management showed loyalty. However, the stakes are undeniably higher now in the Premier League. The board’s patience is not infinite, and their stance could shift if evidence mounts that the team is headed for another relegation. Over the summer, there were even reports (originating from the Daily Mail) that the owners considered a “stunning managerial change” despite promotion. That speculation suggested Leeds were already quietly assessing alternative coaches “better equipped to help keep the Whites in the Premier League”. While those rumors ultimately came to nothing in the off-season, they indicate that Farke is on a shorter leash than one might expect for a promotion-winning coach. As one pundit, former England striker Darren Bent, observed, “Farke might get 10 games [in the Premier League]… if things go wrong” early on – implying that a poor first couple of months could see Leeds pull the trigger. All these reasons – a shaky Premier League résumé, fan anxiety about survival, unproven new signings, a tough schedule, and watchful new owners – combine to make Daniel Farke’s job security a hot topic. It sets the stage for the question: who will be the next Leeds United manager if Farke cannot hang on?
Who will be the next Leeds United manager?
If Leeds United do decide to part ways with Daniel Farke, who could step into the Elland Road hot seat? A number of names have already been floated in media reports and betting circles, ranging from ambitious high-profile choices to up-and-coming coaches. Over the summer, a report by the Daily Mail (echoed by other outlets) claimed that the club’s American owners drew up a shortlist of potential replacements they’d monitor in case Farke faltered. That shortlist reportedly included some intriguing candidates: Roger Schmidt, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Davide Ancelotti. There have even been sensational whispers about legendary manager Jose Mourinho being considered as an “outrageous replacement” for Farke – a testament to the 49ers ownership’s big ambitions – though such a move would be extraordinary and is purely speculative at this stage.
Below we list some of the most obvious candidates who could replace Farke, along with their credentials:
| Candidate | Managerial Background / Achievements |
|---|---|
| Roger Schmidt | Ex-PSV, Red Bull Salzburg and Benfica manager; led Benfica to the Primeira Liga title in 2022/23 (named Manager of the Season). Experienced in European competitions and known for high-pressing football. |
| Giovanni van Bronckhorst | Former Rangers manager (2021–22); won the Scottish Cup and reached the 2022 Europa League final with Rangers. Also a title-winning coach with Feyenoord in his native Netherlands. Available and familiar with British football culture. |
| Davide Ancelotti | Assistant coach at Real Madrid (and previously Bayern, Napoli, Everton) under his father Carlo Ancelotti. Highly regarded young coach with elite mentorship, though he has yet to serve as a first-team manager in his own right. |
| Jose Mourinho | One of the most decorated managers in football (Champions League and multiple league titles). Former Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham boss; currently managing Fenerbahçe. A blockbuster option to solidify the team, but would he be interested in a relegation battle at Leeds? |
Roger Schmidt – the main contender for the position
Roger Schmidt stands out as perhaps the most accomplished name linked with the Leeds job. Schmidt has built a strong reputation across Europe for his attacking, high-intensity playing style and ability to develop talent. He enjoyed great success in Portugal, winning the Primeira Liga title in 2022/23 and even breaking club records with Benfica. Prior to that, he managed PSV Eindhoven and Red Bull Salzburg, collecting domestic trophies and honing the kind of progressive tactics that could appeal to Leeds’ ambitious owners. At 56 years old, Schmidt brings experience at a high level, including Champions League exposure, which could be invaluable for a club looking to establish itself in the Premier League.
Leeds United’s interest in Schmidt was reported when the club was drawing up contingency plans for Farke’s potential exit. He is seen as a coach who could represent an upgrade in pedigree and international experience. Schmidt’s teams are known for pressing and attacking in numbers – a style that might suit Leeds’ ethos and please the Elland Road faithful. The lack of work as of mid-summer 2025 makes him one of the most obvious choices in the event of a change of coach at Leeds United. It’s a big ask, but the 49ers ownership might be willing to offer a compelling project (and financial package) to lure a manager of his caliber. If Schmidt is attainable, he would arguably be the prime candidate to take over, given his track record and the statement of intent his appointment would send. His successful title-winning campaign at Benfica shows he can handle pressure and high expectations, qualities Leeds will desperately need in their fight for survival.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst – contender No. 2
Another name on the Leeds radar is Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Dutch coach is a former Champions League-winning player and has managerial experience in both Scotland and the Netherlands. Van Bronckhorst is best known for his tenure at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Cup and notably guided the Glasgow club to the Europa League final in 2022. That Rangers run, which included an impressive journey through knockout rounds, demonstrated Van Bronckhorst’s tactical acumen and ability to motivate underdog teams against higher-ranked opponents. He also previously led Feyenoord to a Dutch Eredivisie title in 2017. Currently, van Bronckhorst is out of work (after a year-long break from coaching, he agreed to join Liverpool’s coaching staff as an assistant in July 2025), which makes him an immediately available option if Leeds decide to make a change.
For Leeds United, Van Bronckhorst represents a blend of familiarity and fresh perspective. On one hand, he has firsthand knowledge of British football culture from his time in Scotland and even as a player in England (he had a stint at Arsenal). On the other hand, he would bring a new voice and identity to Elland Road. His teams at Rangers were organized and could punch above their weight in Europe – a useful trait for a squad trying to outperform expectations in the Premier League. Importantly, Van Bronckhorst is used to the pressure of managing a big club with passionate fans, so the Elland Road atmosphere would be something he can embrace rather than be intimidated by. Reports indicate that Leeds have been “monitoring” Van Bronckhorst as a candidate. At 50 years old, he is a young, driven coach who might view the Leeds job as the perfect platform to prove himself in the Premier League. If approached, Van Bronckhorst would likely be very interested in the challenge. He may not have Premier League managerial experience yet, but his Europa League final achievement and title-winning pedigree in smaller leagues mark him as a strong contender for the Leeds role.
Davide Ancelotti – contender No. 3
A more outside-the-box candidate on Leeds United’s list is Davide Ancelotti. Davide is the son of the famed Carlo Ancelotti, but he is forging his own reputation in coaching circles. Though only in his mid-30s, Davide Ancelotti has amassed high-level experience as an assistant coach, having worked under his father at European giants like Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid. He has effectively been Carlo’s right-hand man and tactical analyst, contributing to championship-winning campaigns and Champions League nights from the bench. It is widely believed that Davide harbors ambitions to step out of his father’s shadow and take on a head coach role himself in the near future.
Leeds United’s interest in Davide Ancelotti suggests the club is considering a “young, visionary coach” approach – someone who could bring fresh ideas and modern training methods. Davide’s advantage is the apprenticeship he’s served at elite clubs; he has seen first-hand how world-class players are managed and how big games are won. He also likely has learned Carlo Ancelotti’s famed man-management skills and adaptability. On the flip side, hiring him would be a gamble because he has never been a first-team manager before. The pressure cooker of a Premier League relegation fight is a harsh environment for any rookie manager. Still, Leeds might fancy uncovering the next great coaching talent, and Davide Ancelotti’s pedigree and footballing education are hard to ignore. If Leeds were to sack Farke early in the season and wanted to try a bold, long-term appointment, Davide could be a candidate – perhaps even initially on an interim basis to test his mettle. It’s a left-field idea, but being mentioned among the three-name shortlist shows that Leeds have him on their radar. Under the mentorship of his father, Davide has seen what it takes to win at the highest level, and that could translate into a fearless approach at a club like Leeds. Whether the club would take such a risk mid-season is uncertain, but his name in the conversation certainly adds an interesting dynamic to the next manager odds.
Current Club Situation and Expectations for the New Leeds United Manager
Any manager stepping into the Leeds United job – either at the start of the season or mid-way through – must contend with a club in a precarious but promising position. The current situation is that Leeds are a newly promoted side, bracing for a relegation battle but eager to re-establish themselves as Premier League mainstays. The squad has been bolstered with new signings, as mentioned, yet many players will be testing themselves in the Premier League for the first time. The immediate expectation for a new Leeds manager would be straightforward in concept but challenging in execution: keep Leeds United in the Premier League. Survival is paramount. Chairman Paraag Marathe and the 49ers ownership have made it clear that they are determined to avoid an “instant return to the Championship” and instead “prepare to establish themselves” in the top division. The club has invested in the transfer market and plans further infrastructure improvements, indicating they are serious about long-term success in the Premier League.
Therefore, a new manager would be expected to harness the resources at hand (and possibly augment the squad further in transfer windows) to accumulate the 40 or so points typically needed to stay up. Given Leeds’ fervent fan base and history, there is also an expectation to play with passion and fight in every match – in other words, to show that the club belongs at this level. The early-season schedule is tough, so the new boss would need to quickly build resilience and not let heads drop if results are hard to come by in the opening weeks. As the league newcomer, Leeds will face a season-long battle against the drop, and the manager’s performance will largely be judged on whether he can keep the team out of the bottom three. In short, the expectation for the new Leeds United manager is to achieve stability: steer the club clear of relegation trouble, instill confidence and Premier League know-how in the squad, and lay foundations for Leeds to grow in the seasons ahead.
Tips.GG Expert Opinions and Predictions
The consensus among Tips.GG’s football experts is that Daniel Farke’s tenure at Leeds is on a knife-edge entering the 2025–26 campaign. Our panel believes Farke will be given a brief window at the start of the season to prove he can hack it in the Premier League – but if Leeds find themselves entrenched in the bottom three after the first 8–10 matches, a change in the dugout becomes likely. In that event, we predict Roger Schmidt would emerge as the top target, given his blend of experience and availability, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst not far behind as a strong Plan B. However, if Leeds can defy the odds and pick up some early points (or even a marquee upset against one of the big teams), it could buy Farke valuable time. In our view, the club’s hierarchy will be pragmatic: survival is the priority, and they won’t hesitate to make a tough decision if a new manager is deemed the key to securing it. Leeds fans should buckle up for a nerve-wracking season – one that will determine whether Farke stays at the helm or if a new era under a different manager will begin at Elland Road.