Leeds United are edging ever closer to the Premier League. On Sunday, Farke’s eleven even overtook Leicester at the top of the Championship for the time being – and made their coach “pretty proud”
Daniel Farke has his third promotion to the Premier League ever more clearly in sight. The 47-year-old, who took over at Leeds United last summer after leaving Borussia Mönchengladbach, was able to celebrate another important three-pointer on Sunday – one that has flushed last year’s relegated side to the top of the Championship for the time being.
In front of 34,813 spectators at Elland Road, Leeds deservedly defeated relegation-threatened FC Millwall 2-0, with ex-Hoffenheim man Rutter playing a key role. The 21-year-old Frenchman was involved in many dangerous attacks and finished the game with two assists, albeit without a goal: while he set up the superb long-range strike from Italy’s young international Gnonto (33′) as well as the well-considered 2-0 by ex-Man United professional James (79′), he himself missed the 2-0 with a double chance in between. Keeper Sarkic saved twice, once with the help of the post (67′).
“I’m quite proud of the lads,” Farke told the BBC, “because today was a different challenge: in recent weeks we’ve had to play every two or three days, this time we’ve had nine or ten days between games, which we’re not used to.” Leeds’ run nevertheless continued unabated: In 2024, the Whites won twelve of their 13 league games – with one draw.
A top game awaits rivals Leicester during the international break
It is no longer about securing a play-off place – which is only theoretically possible for Farke’s team – but about direct promotion, which requires first or second place. Leeds’ latest win took them to the top, at least temporarily and for the first time this season, as Leicester had to play in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (2:4 at Chelsea) and do not play their catch-up game against fourth-placed Southampton until next Saturday.
Promoted Ipswich, who thrashed Sheffield Wednesday 6-0 on Saturday, are hot on the duo’s heels in third with one point less.
