Daniel Farke hits back at 'panic' as Leeds brace for brutal festive fixtures

After storming back to the Premier League as Championship winners with a record-breaking 100-point haul last term, Leeds have endured a rocky introduction to life among the elite. 

Early victories over Everton, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers raised hopes of a comfortable mid-table finish, but a dismal run of just one win in their last six league games has dragged Farke's men to 16th place, only one point clear of the drop zone as of mid-November 2025.

The German boss, who has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks, told Sky Sports that pressure comes with the territory at Elland Road.

"Performance-wise, once you sign a contract as manager of Leeds United, you have to be ready for it," Farke said. "After each and every loss, fans are asking for a sacking after the match. If you take it personally or dwell on it, then you have no chance to be successful here.

"In the Championship, it was after every draw that it was 'the manager's not good enough'. You have to stay calm, keep going and work to your beliefs. The outcome was being back in the Premier League with the best season in the history of the club."

He added that survival, not a repeat of last season's century of points, represents realistic success for a promoted outfit.

"Of course, I don't expect that we again finish with 100 points and the title," Farke said. "Our title would be survival, something that no other newly-promoted team has managed to do in the last two years. We know it's a long road, there will be setbacks. I totally back my players and believe in this club that we can be the first to really establish ourselves back in the top flight."

The Whites' passionate support has swung from euphoria to despair in a matter of weeks.

"It's important when you work for such an emotional club and such a passionate fanbase," Farke said. "Two weeks ago, a very important home win against West Ham and everyone was already saying 'survival is confirmed, not one team has been relegated with it (Leeds' record after 10 games), let's worry about Europe'. This is Leeds United.

"Two weeks later, two difficult away games, two tight losses and not our best performances, everybody is panicking."

Leeds return from the November international break with a daunting schedule that could define their season. Unai Emery's in-form Aston Villa visit Elland Road first, before trips to Manchester City and Chelsea, a home clash with Liverpool, and games against surprise package Sunderland over the festive period. The Reds then return to West Yorkshire on New Year's Day 2026.

With the relegation battle tightening and no promoted team surviving the drop since the 2022-23 campaign, Farke and his players know points in this brutal run are essential if the panic is to subside.