Daniel Farke reflected on ‘unforgettable’ experience after he was sacked as boss

German head coach Daniel Farke has led Leeds United back to the Premier League after Championship promotion, although he may not have the best memories from his previous time in the top flight

Leeds United’s Daniel Farke is no stranger to the choppy waters of management he now faces, as his dismissal from the ‘unforgettable’ Norwich City came after a 15-match Premier League losing streak. Roughly 12 months ago, Farke experienced the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on automatic promotion and then suffering a crushing 1-0 defeat in the play-off final against Southampton.

However, the Whites’ boss bounced back, leading his team to the top tier of English football this time around, marking his third promotion in the country. During his tenure with the Canaries, the German coach led them to two successful promotions and clinched two Championship titles. But his Premier League record is less than stellar, with Norwich facing immediate relegation after each promotion.

This lack of success in the top-flight has sparked rumours that Farke could be shown the door at Elland Road before the start of the next season. Despite his previous employers taking similar action following an unprecedented losing streak, the 48-year-old looks back on his time in Norfolk fondly.

In November 2021, after achieving two promotions, enduring a relegation, and facing the likely prospect of another season in the Championship, Farke was let go by Norwich after four years at the helm. Yet, his parting words were filled with positivity, reports Leeds Live.

“We, and by that I mean our coaching staff of Edmund Riemer, Christopher John, Chris Domogalla and myself, have had a great time at Norwich City which has now come to an end,” read his statement via the LMA. “We leave Norwich with great pride, having worked for this exceptional club for almost four and a half years means a lot to us.

“Our special thanks go to the fans who have always supported the team and us, making the many great moments at Carrow Road unforgettable, two promotions to the Premier League together will connect us forever.

“Working with the players was a great pleasure during all that time, as we had great trust in each other. We wish the team all the best and we are confident that they will be successful as the team spirit in the dressing room is second to none.

“Football is a short-term business and for that we were quite long-term in Norwich because it was made possible by Delia Smith, Michael Wynn Jones and Stuart Webber. Good bye, Canaries. We’ll see you again.”

Farke’s journey in English football began in May 2017, when he took over from Alex Neil as head coach at Norwich. His first season saw mixed results, with 15 wins, 15 draws, and 16 losses, leading to a mid-table finish at 14th place.

The following season saw a significant leap forward, with the Canaries soaring to the Championship title on 94 points, coinciding with Leeds’ playoff heartbreak against Frank Lampard’s Derby County.

However, Farke’s inaugural Premier League campaign ended in disappointment. His Norwich side managed only five victories, finishing rock bottom of the league on 21 points – a whopping 13 points adrift of 19th-placed Watford – and facing relegation.

Back in the Championship, Farke once again clinched the title, surpassing his previous record of 94 points with a remarkable 97, ensuring Norwich’s swift return to the top tier.

Unfortunately, just a few months into his second stab at Premier League survival, after enduring a run of 15 consecutive defeats, Farke was dismissed and replaced by Dean Smith, who was unable to prevent a last-place finish. After stints with Krasnodar and Borussia Mönchengladbach, Farke found himself at Elland Road, where he has once again savoured the sweet taste of promotion and heading back to the big time.

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