‘Not usual,’ stated Daniel Farke and Marcelo Bielsa during Leeds United’s match against Norwich City.
Leeds United and Daniel Farke will resume their Championship promotion push in 10 days with a unique and emotional encounter for the German.
Farke’s two promotions with Norwich City were a key component of a CV that basically spoke for itself when Leeds was seeking for a new manager in the summer. He didn’t feel the need to market his football style or promotion know-how because anyone in the room who wasn’t familiar with either would not have represented the type of serious people he wanted to work with. Farke didn’t need to be concerned since if anyone was familiar with his 2018/19 body of work, it was Leeds United, a club he and the Canaries defeated by 11 points that season, thanks in large part to a 3-1 Elland Road triumph.
Farke’s second season at Carrow Road coincided with Marcelo Bielsa’s first season at Leeds, and while neither gained promotion, both men became heroes to their respective fanbases that year. As it turns out, a manager can achieve this by playing exciting football and winning a lot of games.
Despite the fact that the pair had a natural rivalry established by their position in the 2018/19 promotion battle, and despite the fact that both clubs were anxious to get the better of each other, Farke and Bielsa consistently shown mutual admiration for each other’s work.
Before the teams’ first encounter in August 2018, Farke attempted to downplay the individual battle of wits between himself and the legendary Argentine, but not before expressing his appreciation for a ‘wonderful’ head coach.
“When you analyse his game he will never compromise, whatever fans or players think,” he remarked.
“In his opinion, he can be stubborn and strict. That is not typical. Coaches in this industry typically desire to exceed expectations and be acknowledged by all. He is unconcerned about it. He is completely committed to his philosophy. You can always tell what he wants by looking at his teams.
“This is not a personal challenge between me and a legend like Marcelo Bielsa.” When asked how he creates this incredible music, a famous conductor answered, ‘I don’t disturb my musicians from performing.’ My role is not more essential to me.
RIVALS FOR PROMOTION – Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United faced Daniel Farke’s Norwich City for promotion, and the duo exhibited mutual affection and respect. Photographer: Julian Finney/Getty Images
“Marcelo is a role model for many, many coaches because he is special in his own way and unique in his thoughts on football and how he leads a team.” I have a lot of respect for him as a coach.”
The realism that has pervaded Farke’s approach since his arrival at Elland Road this summer was clear in his assessment of Bielsa’s position at Leeds.
“Brilliant work so far,” he commented.
“The team appears to be well-organized in their pressing as well as the possession-based portion of their game.” I wasn’t shocked he went for Leeds. It is still a major name in Europe, and for a coach, working in the motherland of football and being successful there is a challenge. It is also a challenge for him to bring success to such a large club and return them to where they belong.”
After the game, which Leeds United won 3-0 courtesy to goals from Mateusz Klich, Gjanni Alioski, and Pablo Hernandez, Bielsa faced concerns about his lack of celebrations and nodded in the direction of Farke.
“Of course I’m happy about results but usually I don’t celebrate the goals,” he added.
“It’s not about humility, it’s more about respect for my colleague, the head coach [Farke], who is just 10 metres away from me.”
Leeds are ‘100% the best team in the league,’ according to the Norwich manager, and are deserving of their table-topping position. The result dropped the Canaries to 17th place, nine points below Bielsa’s team.
But by the time the clubs met again at Elland Road in February, only three points separated them, and Bielsa expected fireworks.
“Norwich are a team who attack very well,” he added of Farke’s team.
“They’re a team built to attack.” It doesn’t mean they don’t defend well, but the team’s profile is inventive. Aside from our league rankings, I believe the attacking aspects of both clubs make this game appealing.”
With a combined record of 35 shots on goal – 21 of which were generated by Leeds – it was the tense encounter everyone expected, but Farke and Norwich won the day 3-1. The Whites’ consolation goal in stoppage time came from Patrick Bamford.
“To have such a night against such a good side – it’s so complicated to play against Leeds and in this atmosphere, in the spicy atmosphere in a sold out place – so to produce this result is outstanding,” remarked Farke after the game.
“We won’t get carried away, but it’s amazing to feel the joy after the game, and we let the players feel what they’ve accomplished because otherwise you lose motivation.” We often talk about contracts and money, but football should always be enjoyable. There are more essential things in life, so it is necessary to feel such pleasure.”
Norwich finished first on goal difference, and they held that position after all 46 games. Leeds attempted to join them in the Premier League via the play-offs, but were defeated.
Farke and Norwich had past them like ships in the night by the time Leeds did enter into the top division, winning their own crown the following season.
It wasn’t until October 2021 that the two met again, with Norwich having won a second Championship title and Bielsa having led his club to a top-ten Premier League finish.
The 2021/22 season saw the end of both Farke and Bielsa’s managing careers, but not before the latter won the third game in their head-to-head series, 2-1, at Carrow Road.
Farke was put under pressure as a result of the result, and Bielsa was sympathetic.
“The job of a coach has some very difficult things you have to live with,” Bielsa remarked after Raphinha and Rodrigo scored to give him his second win in ten games.
“Especially with Norwich’s manager, he has shown a big spiritual fortitude and I hope he can come back from this situation.”
Six days later, Farke was celebrating his first win of the season before being sacked by Norwich. Bielsa remained at Leeds until February. But what both guys accomplished and how they spent their time with Norwich and Leeds will be remembered far more than how it all ended. And the return of the Championship on October 21 at Carrow Road will be a throwback to special times for both teams.
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