Daniel Farke speaks to German media about Leeds United fans wanting Europe — and the manager insists those lofty ambitions reflect the heartbeat of the club.
After leading Leeds back to the Premier League last season, the German coach has been struck by how quickly optimism has surged around Elland Road. Even with only two wins from their opening eight games, many fans are already dreaming of European football again — a challenge Farke welcomes.
The 48-year-old told German outlet 11Freunde, as relayed by Rheinische Post, that working under such emotion and expectation is exactly why he coaches. Having joined Leeds in July 2023, endured play-off heartbreak against Southampton, and then masterminded promotion the following year, Farke knows momentum and belief are powerful things in West Yorkshire.
So, can that raw energy be turned into results before pressure builds again?
Farke: emotion and expectation fuel success
“Dealing with that takes an incredible amount of strength and energy, but this emotion is exactly what you’re looking for as a player and coach. You want to work where it counts.” — Daniel Farke, via 11Freunde / Rheinische Post
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach boss admitted that while pressure can drain energy, it also provides the edge he craves. His year in the Bundesliga ended amid criticism he couldn’t “stop the downward trend”, but at Leeds he’s found a crowd willing to fight for every inch. Farke sees that shared intensity as the club’s biggest advantage in a Premier League defined by fine margins.
Leeds’ early-season reality check
Leeds currently sit 16th, six points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Performances have been spirited but inconsistent — moments of slick interplay offset by defensive lapses. Farke has stuck to his possession-based approach, arguing that long-term identity outweighs short-term panic.
| Stat (2025/26) | Leeds United |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 8 |
| Wins | 2 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Goals Scored | 9 |
source: sofascore match data – 22 October 2025
Those numbers underline a side still adjusting to the Premier League’s speed. In fairness, Leeds have faced three of last season’s top six already, and performances have hinted at a team learning fast.
Our View
In our view, Farke’s biggest victory so far isn’t tactical but cultural. He’s reconnected supporters with a sense of belonging that was lost after relegation. That emotional reset, more than any points tally in October, will decide how high Leeds can climb this season.
The next step must be converting energy into control. Leeds can press with ferocity, but they still lack a consistent finisher and calm in possession under pressure. If Farke finds balance between chaos and composure, the talk of Europe won’t sound so fanciful.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Farke’s message is as much psychological as strategic. “I think he’s reminding the fanbase and players that emotion can be a weapon, not a weakness,” he says. “When Elland Road believes, it changes games — and managers like Farke thrive on that atmosphere.”
In my view, Leeds need to ride this emotion without being ruled by it. Farke’s experience in Germany taught him that expectation cuts both ways; the challenge now is to channel it into consistent top-flight performances.
Key Insights
- Daniel Farke embraces Leeds United fans’ European dreams as motivation.
- The German draws parallels with his Borussia Mönchengladbach experience.
- Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League after eight matches.
- Farke stresses emotional energy as key to long-term success.
- Supporters’ passion could define how far the team climbs this season.
What’s Next
Leeds host West Ham United at Elland Road on 24 October before a tricky trip to Brighton. Results from those fixtures could set the tone for the rest of autumn — and decide whether talk of Europe stays fantasy or starts feeling real.
👉 Can Daniel Farke turn fan ambition into a genuine push up the Premier League table?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 22 Oct 2025 11:40
With all respect, he's not the one who's going to bring Leeds back to Europe..
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