Leeds chairman confirms Daniel Farke will lead club into Premier League: ‘He is my man’

Question marks had been raised over whether Farke was fit to lead the club into the Premier League

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has ended speculation over head coach Daniel Farke's future by confirming the German will lead the club in the Premier League.

Farke's position had been in doubt since Leeds secured promotion at the end of last month, with reports claiming the Elland Road hierarchy were concerned about his previous record in the top flight with Norwich.

But, after Leeds clinched the Championship title on Saturday with victory at Plymouth, Marathe told BBC Radio Leeds: "I have ended the speculation. He is my man.

"I want to tell you all I'm very excited to run it back with Daniel.

"I'm really excited about collaborating with Daniel, with (managing director) Robbie Evans, with (sporting director) Adam Underwood and, together, we are going to build the best squad we can with every penny we're allowed to spend to compete in the Premier League."

Leeds pipped Burnley to the second-tier title after finishing the season with six straight wins.

Both clubs reached the 100-point mark but Leeds had a far superior goal difference to clinch the silverware ahead of their return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Marathe said Farke had been "such a calming force" on the club last month when one win in six matches appeared to have stalled their title charge.

The American also explained why the club had not backed Farke publicly before Saturday's win at Plymouth.

Marathe added: "He has that conviction and belief and I told him privately that I was looking forward to moving forward together but I didn't feel like it was my time to speak because someone wanted to put out a rumour."

PA