Leeds United could sack Daniel Farke if they miss out on promotion to the Premier League this season, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Whites face Southampton at Wembley in the Championship playoff final on Sunday (26 May) in a straight shootout to decide the final promotion spot after Leicester and Ipswich went up automatically.
Although Agbonlahor couldn’t separate the two sides in his prediction, he did admit that he could see either Rusell Martin or Farke being relieved of their duties if their side loses at Wembley.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Thursday (23 May, 6:54) he said: “I can’t call it me mate because Southampton absolutely destroyed West Brom, Leeds obviously destroyed Norwich.
“It’s 50-50 for me, whoever sorts the nerves on the day. The Norwich manager got sacked, didn’t he? It wouldn’t surprise me if the Leeds or Southampton manager gets sacked if they don’t get promoted.
“It’s ruthless in the Championship. It’s all about who takes their chances on the day I think.”
Will Leeds United sack Daniel Farke if they lose against Southampton?
Ultimately, the entire season comes down to this final 90 minutes in London for both of these sides. Before a ball was kicked they would have been two of the favourites for promotion given the strength of their squads.
No one could have expected Ipswich to be this strong and Leicester were always going to be near the top, but both Leeds United and Southampton will feel they had the power to finish in the automatic promotion slots.
The Whites need to return to the Premier League for financial reasons, otherwise it could be a summer of sales to balance the books and it remains to be seen whether or not Farke would be one of those cut loose.
While most supporters will heap praise on the German for his work at Elland Road, he would have been expected to win promotion this season. If he doesn’t do that, his position could be under some scrutiny from those above him.
