“Leeds United’s Daniel Farke Criticized Over Summer Signing as Scrutiny on Elland Road Boss Intensifies”
"Leeds United Boss Daniel Farke Faces Criticism from an Unexpected Source Despite 14 Months Managing in England"
German coach Daniel Farke has come under criticism for his scouting and talent identification, particularly from the newspaper Rheinische Post, which covers his former club, Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The critique focuses on the signing of Nathan Ngoumou during Farke’s tenure at the club.
Ngoumou, who was signed for a reported €8 million in the 2022 summer transfer window, has failed to impress, recording only seven goals and four assists in 61 appearances.
Farke had fleetingly compared the 24-year-old attacker to former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, Ngoumou has struggled to live up to such expectations at Gladbach, with critics now viewing the comparison as comical.
According to a report via Sport Witness, constant criticism has been directed at Farke’s judgment in signing the player and his initial evaluation.
Since joining Leeds United in July 2023, Farke has played a significant role in transfer decisions at the club, working closely with technical director Gretar Steinsson and transfers advisor Nick Hammond.
Despite this, Farke hinted at some disagreement over the failure to sign a designated No. 10 after Georginio Rutter’s departure.
Nonetheless, the 47-year-old coach was involved in recruitment talks throughout the summer transfer window.
Farke left Borussia Mönchengladbach at the end of the 2022/23 season after just one year in charge. Ngoumou, meanwhile, made only eight starts under him at the club.
In a statement, Farke explained, “Nathan’s natural position is more on the right side, but he often played as a centre-forward during training and did well.
It reminded me of Aubameyang’s early days when he surprised everyone by excelling up front at Dortmund and scored nearly 30 goals.”
Farke now faces increasing pressure from Leeds United supporters, with only two wins from the club’s first five matches this season.
His failure to secure automatic promotion last season, followed by an unsuccessful play-off campaign, has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding his performance.
