No-one has to worry about me, says ‘happy’ Leeds boss Daniel Farke

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke said “no-one has to worry about me” as speculation over his future continued after his side closed in on the Sky Bet Championship title.

Goals from Ao Tanaka, Willy Gnonto and substitute Largie Ramazani’s late double swept the Whites to a 4-0 win against play-off chasing Bristol City in their final home game of the season.

Leeds regained top spot on goal difference ahead of Burnley, who were also promoted last week.

But the Elland Road hierarchy have refused to comment on reports they could replace Farke in the summer, while club chairman Paraag Marathe pulled out of a scheduled interview with Sky Sports on Monday night.

When asked if he needed reassurances from Leeds’ owners, Farke said: “I’m a very, very happy man, so no-one has to be worried about me.

“I spoke at (Friday’s) press conference and have said everything I have to say. I’m just enjoying this moment, what we’ve done over the last two years.”

Leeds followed up last week’s 6-0 thrashing of Stoke with another relentless attacking display in a carnival atmosphere against Bristol City and Farke’s side remain intent on sealing the title with victory at Plymouth on Saturday.

The Whites’ players and backroom staff came back on to the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate with their fans, who were denied the chance to share in their club’s previous top-flight promotion in 2020 due to Covid.

“Today before the game it was not easy to stay focused. I was quite emotional I have to say,” Farke added.

“I’m used to an unbelievable atmosphere at Elland Road but in this moment, when you walk in and you hear this noise and sense how much it means to the people. It was very, very special.

“No disrespect to my former clubs but this atmosphere was second to none. Before and during the game there were a few emotional moments, but at least the players stayed focused. I’m a very proud manager of my boys.

“We were so motivated to finish the season in style. We wanted to finish the final home game with a top performance and a top result.

“We are a bit greedy to be honest. We want to extend the points tally, extend the amount of goals.”

Bristol City’s top-six hopes were dealt another blow as they slipped to back-to-back defeats – they had one shot on target against Leeds – but will secure a play-off place for the first time since 2008 on Saturday if they beat Preston at home.

Boss Liam Manning said: “(Leeds) are the best team in the division for me – huge club, huge investment, top players.

“There’s no shame in coming here and losing. It’s more the manner in how you do it and we weren’t at the level we can hit.

“We have to hurt tonight and we can’t just move on, because of the manner of the goals, but we have to wake up tomorrow, stick together and get ready for Saturday.”