From serious pressure in November to the brink of Premier League survival, Leeds United have transformed under Daniel Farke. Featuring insight from Leeds United Fanalyst Oscar, this piece explores the tactical switch that changed everything.
Leeds United have spent much of this season redefining both themselves and the perception surrounding Daniel Farke. Back in November, the mood around Elland Road was bleak. A side tipped by many to struggle looked directionless, confidence was low, and serious questions were being asked about whether Farke was the right man to lead the club forward in the Premier League.
Fast forward to May, and the picture looks entirely different.
Leeds sit on the brink of Premier League survival, have reached an FA Cup semi-final, and have slowly evolved into a side capable of competing with almost anyone on their day. It has not been perfect, and there are still flaws within this team, but the trajectory of the club feels completely transformed from the uncertainty that clouded the early months of the campaign.
To gain a supporter’s perspective on Leeds’ dramatic turnaround, I spoke to All Leeds TV presenter and Leeds United Fanalyst, Oscar Mario, who offered an honest reflection on how the season has unfolded, the tactical changes behind the improvement, and why Farke deserves significant credit for turning things around.
“At the start of the season, expectations around Daniel Farke were uncertain,” Oscar said. “Farke has done a very solid job and done really well to turn what was looking like a dire situation in mid-late November. Leeds have achieved their main goal this season pretty comfortably.”
That alone perhaps tells the story of Leeds’ season. Survival was always the priority. After promotion back to the Premier League, many feared Leeds could quickly become another yo-yo club overwhelmed by the quality and financial strength of the division. Instead, Farke has built a side that looks increasingly capable of establishing itself at this level.
However, despite the positivity surrounding the campaign, Oscar believes there is still one lingering disappointment.
“The FA Cup does feel like a missed opportunity,” he explained. “The draw was very kind to us and our best opportunity in 40 years of winning it or getting to the final. A very good season but with one major disappointment.”
That disappointment largely stems from the semi-final defeat to Chelsea, a game that represented both how far Leeds have come and how much work still remains. Wembley was an opportunity to make a statement on the national stage, but Leeds fell short when it mattered most.
Still, few could deny the progress this team has made since the tactical shift that completely changed the direction of the season.
“The shift to a back three system is the only real answer here,” Oscar said when discussing the turning point of the campaign. “I don’t think we changed loads tactically but there wasn’t a player in the squad who didn’t play better after the switch to a back three.”
That tactical flexibility has arguably been Farke’s biggest achievement this season. One of the main criticisms aimed at him during his first two years at Leeds was his reluctance to adapt. Yet this season has seen him evolve significantly as a coach.
“For the first 2.5 years at Leeds he was rightly criticised for a lack of flexibility,” Oscar added. “But this year has shown the flexibility both in terms of being more direct stylistically and the change of system. Leeds nine times out of ten compete now week in week out with any team.”
The system change has not only improved Leeds collectively, but also elevated several individual players. No player perhaps embodies Leeds’ progression more than Anton Stach.
“Pre-season the signs were positive and there were some excellent games early on,” Oscar explained. “But there was a lot of inconsistency and question marks over his best position and suitability to the league. Since the switch to a back three, Stach and Leeds have never looked back.”
Stach has become symbolic of Leeds’ newfound balance. The German midfielder now looks far more comfortable within the structure of the side, helping provide both physicality and composure in midfield. His improvement mirrors Leeds’ wider tactical maturity.
There are still weaknesses though, particularly when Leeds attempt to protect leads.
“Game management,” Oscar said when asked where Leeds still fall short. “When Leeds are ahead in games we do often drop too deep which doesn’t suit this Leeds team or system. The vast majority of games this season which have been tight Leeds have ended up losing.”
That criticism feels fair. Leeds remain at their best when they are proactive, aggressive, and front-footed. Too often this season, particularly away from home against stronger opposition, they have retreated into themselves after taking control of matches.
One player who has benefited hugely from the new system is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The striker has rediscovered confidence and form, with the tactical setup finally allowing him to play to his strengths.
“100% getting the best out of DCL,” Oscar said. “The system brings out all his best qualities.”
Calvert-Lewin’s resurgence has been central to Leeds’ survival push. His hold-up play, aerial dominance, and movement have all looked sharper within a two-striker system or with greater support around him. Earlier in the season, he often looked isolated. Now he looks revitalised.
Interestingly, Oscar does not believe Leeds’ transformation is purely about mentality.
“I don’t think it’s a mentality thing,” he explained. “I think it’s just playing a system which shows the strengths rather than the weaknesses of all our players. Wembley and some of our defeats this season show there is still work to do mentality wise.”
That point perhaps highlights the most important lesson from Leeds’ campaign. Tactical clarity matters. Confidence often follows structure and balance, and Leeds now look like a side with a far clearer identity than they did earlier in the season.
The perception of Farke has changed massively because of that.
“A lot more positive and the best it’s been since he took charge,” Oscar said. “In November three quarters of Leeds fans or higher probably wanted Farke sacked. There’s still some question marks longer term but for now he is doing a very solid job.”
Perhaps the most telling part of Oscar’s reflection comes when discussing his own doubts.
“Yes, I felt Farke deserved a chance in the Premier League but didn’t see anything but relegation in November,” he admitted. “I did also have doubts about Farke at times in the first half of last season but very glad he has proven me wrong. I’ve always said he is a very capable coach but when on a bad run of form does struggle to turn it around. But he’s done this several times now in the last two years and is a manager I have a lot of respect for and has been one of our best managers in the last 25 years.”
That may ultimately define this season for Leeds United. Not perfection, not a fairytale, and not a finished project. Instead, it has been a season of evolution, adaptation, and restored belief.
Survival may only be the beginning.