Leeds United are considering a move to appoint Zsolt Low as a replacement for under-fire manager Daniel Farke.
It’s been a tough start for Leeds since returning to the Premier League.
After a promising opening few games, they have slipped down the table.
With five defeats in their last six league games, they now find themselves in the relegation zone.
Pressure is mounting on Daniel Farke, with the next Leeds manager odds suggesting a change may be imminent.
With fears of an immediate return to the Championship growing, the club hierarchy are weighing their options.
Farke remains in charge for now, but contingency planning is well underway.
And one surprising name has emerged as a possible successor, thanks to Leeds’ growing partnership with Red Bull.
🚨| Zsolt Lőw confirmed, he will not join Tuchel’s coaching staff. https://t.co/a5TXQGrZGv pic.twitter.com/Qrca8VUwPH
— Hungarian Football Xtra (@HunFootballXtra) October 16, 2024
Why Are Leeds United Considering Zsolt Low?
Zsolt Low has become a shock candidate to replace Daniel Farke at Leeds.
The 46-year-old Hungarian is one of the most respected coaches within the Red Bull group.
And with the energy drinks giant acquiring a 10% stake in Leeds in 2024, the club have become increasingly keen to use that network to their advantage.
Red Bull have no formal control over footballing decisions at Leeds, but their multi-club structure and widespread reach has been seen as highly beneficial.
And Low is a rising coach, who has already built a strong CV in his relatively brief coaching career.
The former Hungary international retired as a player in 2011 at German side Mainz.
He then coached at FC Liefering before progressing to Red Bull Salzburg and then RB Leipzig.
While at Leipzig, he was assistant to former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl, helping them to a memorable second-placed finish in 2017.
After that, his reputation took another step forwards when he joined Thomas Tuchel’s staff.
Low served as a key assistant during highly successful spells at PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
But despite an excellent coaching record, he has never worked as a full-time manager.
In March, Low was named interim head coach at RB Leipzig.
He oversaw two wins, three draws and three defeats, as Leipzig finished seventh in the Bundesliga.
Notably, he shifted the club away from a back-three system toward a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 shape.
This tactic is a familiar one within the Red Bull group, and was used extensively by Southampton under Hasenhüttl.
And Low’s emphasis on culture, unity and high-intensity football is something that Leeds are keen to bring in.
As a result, they may be willing to look past his lack of front-line managerial experience.
Leeds United’s Manager Shortlist Shows Huge Variety
With Low the latest name to be thrown into the mix, it’s clear that Leeds are casting a wide net.
There is a vast difference in style between many of the leading candidates.
Established Premier League operators such as Brendan Rodgers and Gary O’Neil would offer stability and experience during a relegation battle.
While the likes of Low and Liam Rosenior represent a more modern, progressive direction.
And Low’s links to the Red Bull group mean he is more closely aligned with the club’s long-term vision and goals.
Also in the frame are names such as Ange Postecoglou, Steven Gerrard, and Raphael Wicky, reinforcing how wide Leeds are searching.
But the sheer variety of managerial profiles being linked to the Yorkshire club is a telling sign that Daniel Farke’s days may be numbered.
Will Leeds United Replace Daniel Farke?
As it stands, Leeds have made no decision on replacing their manager.
But the club are set for serious conversations over Daniel Farke’s future in the coming days.
Upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea are now seen as crucial.
Picking up a win in either game is a tough ask. But failing to take at least a point from one of both matches will likely spell the end of Farke’s tenure.
If Leeds do wish to act, doing so before the January transfer window is essential.
Whoever comes in would need backing in order to reinforce the squad and install their tactical vision.
And with survival at stake, appointing the right man is more crucial than ever.
