Leeds United won the Championship title in dramatic fashion on the final day, but Daniel Farke sparked speculation about his Elland Road future with a somewhat muted reaction to their triumph
Daniel Farke said exhaustion was behind his muted Leeds United celebration, rather than a sign of an imminent exit. Farke’s side had already secured a return to the Premier League, but were still at the centre of some final-day drama.
They and Burnley were both going in hunt of the Championship title – with Leeds in the driving seat before kick off on Saturday. However, for much of the afternoon, it appeared that Burnley would finish as champions with Leeds being held at Plymouth,
But in stoppage time at Home Park, Manor Solomon scored a late winner sparking scenes of pandemonium in the away end and on the pitch. It was a different story for Farke though, who removed himself from the celebration and sat alone in his dugout.
That prompted onlookers to infer that the German was resigned to his fate, after rumours Elland Road bosses would look to change managers ahead of next season. But Farke instead insisted he was too tired to join his players after an arduous, rollercoaster season.
He said: “I was so focused to win promotion but honestly I was a bit greedy for the title in recent weeks. We spoke about the only time we won this title was without supporters. I wanted this so badly.
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“I felt empty at the final whistle. I was too tired to celebrate. Even at half-time, it was complicated because I wanted to give the right message. I am proud to have achieved what we wanted to.
Farke added: “Looking forward to being on the coach home and to close my eyes. I have to be ready again to celebrate this evening. Next week will be celebrating. I need the summer to recharge my energy.”
Solomon’s late winner capped an impressive season for the Tottenham loanee, who scored 10 times and registered 12 assists. Leeds will be hoping to call upon him again next season, but the Israeli admitted he doesn’t know where his future lies.
“I can’t put into words what I’m feeling right now. It is a dream come true to score the winning goal and take this Championship,” Solomon told BBC Radio Leeds.
“Throughout the season we’ve shown we deserve this trophy and to finish in the first spot. I’m so glad it happened. We all knew what was happening at Burnley and we knew we needed to score. It paid off and the ball went into the net.
“It will take me a few days to digest what happened today, right now I’m going to celebrate. I want to celebrate with my partner, with the club’s employees. We deserve it.
“I’ve been focused on this season, in two or three days we will talk and see what is happening. I don’t know what the future holds but I can just say I love [Leeds].”
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