Leeds United Dismiss Daniel Farke and Appoint Marco Rose as New Head Coach
Leeds, England – In a swift and surprising move that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Leeds United have confirmed the dismissal of manager Daniel Farke, just 24 hours after a damaging 3–1 defeat to Nottingham Forest that left the club hovering above the relegation zone.
Farke, who guided the Whites to a record-breaking Championship title last season, leaves Elland Road with Leeds sitting 17th in the table after securing only three wins from their opening 11 matches of the 2025/26 campaign.
In a statement released late Tuesday, the club thanked Farke for his “tireless efforts and historic promotion” but said a change was necessary “to push forward with our vision for sustained Premier League football.” The 49ers Enterprises ownership group moved quickly, appointing Marco Rose, the Austrian coach recently dismissed by RB Leipzig, on an 18-month contract with an option for extension.
Sources suggest Farke’s severance could exceed £5 million, reflecting the value of his two-year deal and promotion success.
After an emphatic Championship season that saw Leeds amass 102 points, Farke’s Premier League campaign unravelled amid inconsistent performances and mounting fan frustration. Despite a thrilling opening-day victory over Fulham, Leeds went on to lose seven of their next nine matches, including heavy defeats to Brighton, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Sunday’s loss to Nottingham Forest proved the final straw. Although Leeds controlled possession, defensive lapses saw Morgan Gibbs-White claim a hat-trick. Farke admitted afterward that “results don’t lie,” acknowledging his side’s struggles to adapt to top-flight demands.
Reports of dressing-room tension and disagreements over transfer policy further strained relations. Key signings like Manor Solomon have failed to make an impact, while injuries to striker Patrick Bamford have compounded the team’s attacking woes.
For the club’s American owners, the decision reflects an uncompromising pursuit of stability. Having already made managerial changes at sister club Rangers earlier this season, 49ers Enterprises acted decisively after a post-match board review.
Their chosen successor, Marco Rose, brings a reputation for high-pressing, energetic football. The 48-year-old rose to prominence with RB Salzburg, leading them to consecutive Austrian titles and an impressive Champions League run before stints at Borussia Mönchengladbach and Leipzig.
Negotiations with Rose were completed within 48 hours, reportedly after a late-night meeting in Leeds on Monday. The club beat out interest from Everton and Borussia Dortmund by offering a £3.5 million-per-year deal with performance bonuses.
“Marco’s philosophy matches the energy of our squad and supporters,” said Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear. “He’s a proven motivator with a clear vision, and we’re confident he can bring that intensity to Elland Road.”
Rose’s appointment is not without risk. His Leipzig exit followed a disappointing campaign and questions remain over his experience in relegation battles. Still, Leeds’ squad contains proven quality — from captain Liam Cooper in defence to Ethan Ampadu and Crysencio Summerville further forward — giving Rose a platform to implement his approach quickly.
Fan reactions have been mixed: gratitude for Farke’s promotion triumph tempered by cautious optimism about Rose’s arrival. The Leeds United Supporters’ Trust urged unity, calling on fans to “back the new boss and believe in survival.”
Rose’s debut will come in Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth, before a daunting run of fixtures against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Leeds will need around 1.2 points per game over the remainder of the season to reach the typical safety mark — a demanding but achievable target if Rose can spark immediate improvement.
As winter approaches, Leeds United find themselves at a crossroads once again. Farke’s departure closes a chapter of triumph and turbulence, while Rose’s arrival signals fresh urgency. Whether the Austrian can script a revival story or become another short-lived name in Leeds’ managerial carousel remains to be seen — but at Elland Road, the fight for Premier League survival is well and truly on.