Leeds United manager Daniel Farke says his “job is done” at Elland Road and he wants honest talks on what the next chapter looks like.
The 49-year-old said on Friday that reaching and surviving in the Premier League was the goal he was set in 2023 upon his arrival and that box has now been ticked.
With United’s place in the top flight confirmed for next season, Farke wants to hear from the ownership on what the next goals look like over the next five years and, crucially, how they hope to achieve them.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, Farke began by thanking the club for appointing him in 2023 before going on to the future.
“Once I signed the contract three years ago, we spoke about the goals, what we want to achieve and, I have to say, my mission is fulfilled and my job is done here,” he said. “There’s nothing to add anymore.
“We spoke about four years, but after three years, all the boxes are ticked. Right now, it’s important we sit together in a trustful atmosphere and speak about new goals because this period is done right now.
“We have to speak about the way we want to achieve them, we have to speak about the processes and this is quite important. The club has to decide where we want to be in a few years’ time.
“What are the new goals? How are the processes? How do we want to achieve it?”
The question of control was at the heart of Farke’s comments. There is one year remaining on his contract, but he has no interesting in managing a club where he is not fully invested in the project. He also stressed he has to have full control on decision-making.
“It’s important you’re on the same page because I don’t decide for the club,” he said. “We have to speak about what we will do, what the new goals are, what the new ways are, can we keep our best players, can we improve the squad, can we bring players in who make us better?
“So far, this club wanted me to run the sport and wanted me to be there with the final decision in everything. Perhaps they have other thoughts in the process in going forward. Perhaps not.
“We have to speak about it, but one thing is also for sure, I will just lead the project when I’m in charge and I overtake the decisions, like I’ve done in recent years.”
On the topic of Sunday’s game, Farke also delivered what he felt was one of the bleakest injury updates of the season. Five players are already ruled out, with key players Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu also rated as major doubts.
“Yes, it’s a tricky situation,” he said. “It’s perhaps the most difficult situation we had during the whole season.
“We can do this with a smile because we have already achieved our big goal, but of course, it’s not ideal. Obviously, Ilia Gruev is out for the season.
“Noah Okafor is not available for this game. Gabi Gudmundsson is not available for this game. Jayden Bogle is not available for this game. Facundo Buonanotte is not eligible to play (on loan from Brighton).
“Then we have also Pascal Struijk, not in training yet, after (going off with injury in) the last game, big doubt if he’s available. Ethan Ampadu is struggling with illness currently. He’s also a major doubt, (he) was not in training today.”
Leeds host Brighton in their final home match of the season on Sunday, before concluding their campaign at West Ham United the following weekend.
