DANIEL FARKE FIGHTS: CAN LEEDS COACH SURVIVE BRUTAL CHELSEA, LIVERPOOL TESTS?
Daniel Farke's job is on the line after complaining about Man City's 'unsportsmanlike' tactics. The 49ers reportedly seek a new coach (Gary O'Neil is favoured) if Leeds lose to Chelsea and Liverpool.
Daniel Farke's job as Leeds coach might be in trouble. Word is that 49ers Enterprises will sack him if Leeds loses their next two games against Chelsea and Liverpool.
The team was disappointed after Manchester City's Phil Foden scored a late goal last Saturday. A tie seemed likely until that point.
After the game, Farke complained about Man City's tactics. He thought that City's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, pretended to be injured so that Pep Guardiola could give his team a pep talk.
Farke said, "It's allowed and smart." But he also said that he doesn't think it's very sportsmanlike and that it's up to the people in charge to fix the issue.
He added that when he asked the fourth official to do something, the official said that there was nothing he could do.
Farke is concerned that if players aren't taught about fair play and sportsmanship, they'll try to bend the rules. He doesn't like the idea of faking an injury for a team talk, but he said he can't complain if it's within the rules.
With Leeds in the bottom three, Farke is feeling the heat as they prepare for two big games: Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday and Liverpool in Yorkshire on Saturday.
According to The Guardian, sources at Leeds have said privately that Farke's job is at risk.
The report also mentions that the 49ers want a new coach in place before the January transfer window so they can bring in players that fit the new coach's plans.
It's not clear who that might be, but Give Me Sport reports that Gary O'Neil is the favourite for the job.
O'Neil, who used to coach Wolves, has been out of work since being fired in December 2024. He was well-regarded during his time there.
Shay Given said on BBC Match of the Day last year that O'Neill did a great job despite having to sell key players to balance the books.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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