malcolmw wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 12:59 am
It's the "grass is always greener on the other side" thing Weasel. Seems to be a common Leeds phenomenon
Fortunately it would seem Farke pays absolutely no attention to any social media criticism, and is very focused on his plan the the task ahead.
Looking back, I believe there were 2 critical moments in this season for us - the first +/- 6 weeks - and the absolute chaos of poor prior management, the ownership transition and resulting poor player attitudes - and then the international break of last month.
We lost a few games in that first month and a 1/2 that we wouldn't have done at any other point this season. I give Farke the credit for creating stability quicker than many managers would have during that time.He didn't panic and focused on building. Without that approach we might have lost many more in the couple of months that followed.
Then, last month's international break, in hindsight, came at the worst possible moment for us, given how the season had progressed to that point. We had strong unity and very real momentum. Without that break, inmho - we would have got 4 to 6 points from the 3 games that followed, where we got 1.
We had a number of key players get injured on international duty and the 4 (key) Welsh guys having to play an exhausting and deflating extra time & penalties game with a heartbreaking loss. Hard to just bounce back from that 2 days later.
All momentum was lost - and at this point in the season, it's all about momentum.
And at no point in any of this did Daniel Farke complain or whinge and whine. (Many managers would have). To me, he's been like Marcelo in that respect this whole season.
If we go up - we have DF to thank in my opinion. If we miss out (like Marcelo's first season), we still have DF to thank. We were up the creek without a paddle after last years' utter stupidity. Farke and his team - together, it must be said, with our chairman - have got us to be one of the 2 or 3 best sides in the most gruelling league in the world.
Banging on about his substitution strategy flaws or his team selection or other tactics is pointless and far too narrow in focus.
If (when) we go up, given the right resources, I believe Farke can make us competitive in the Prem as well.
But the same voices will continue to bang on about a dozen managers who would be better. There is zero evidence of that (other than for managers we cant afford).