Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers eyed for possible Premier League return

Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers are two contenders to replace Daniel Farke amid mounting pressure on the Leeds manager.

The Whites are currently 18th in the Premier League after seven defeats in their opening 12 matches.

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Farke guided Leeds to promotion in stunning fashion last season, topping the Championship with 100 points.

Nevertheless, there were doubts over the German’s position before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

And with the club already in a relegation battle, talkSPORT understands Leeds are offering no assurances over their manager’s future.

Combined with his time at Norwich, Farke has the lowest points-per-game tally of any manager in history to take charge of more than 50 Premier League matches (0.61).

Life does not get any easier for Leeds, either, with their next three fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Farke could be replaced by another man who recently made unwanted top-flight history.

Postecoglou became the Premier League’s shortest-reigning permanent manager ever when he was sacked by Nottingham Forest in October after just 39 days in the job.

The ex-Tottenham boss has admirers at Elland Road, although it is not clear whether he would be willing to take a third job in five months.

talkSPORT understands ex-Liverpool manager Rodgers is keen on a Premier League return following his sudden Celtic exit last month.

The Northern Irishman quit his job at Parkhead for the second time, triggering a furious statement from Hoops chief Dermot Desmond, who described Rodgers’ behaviour as ‘divisive, misleading, and self-serving’.

Interestingly, Leeds are owned by 49ers Enterprises, who also happen to be the majority shareholder in the consortium that controls Celtic’s greatest rivals – Rangers.

Rodgers has not managed in the Premier League since he was sacked by Leicester in April 2023, with the Foxes bound for relegation.

talkSPORT verdict: Alex Crook (chief football correspondent)

“We reached out to people at Leeds last night and we were told it was very much business as usual.

“Their press conference will go ahead as planned. But I think there is some substance to reports that Farke’s position is under threat.

“In the aftermath of promotion last season, there was a story on the back page of one of the papers that even at that stage, the Leeds hierarchy were considering a change of manager.

“I went to the club and was told we’ve got nothing to say on this. So that was hardly coming out and backing their manager. Ultimately, he did end up staying.

Daniel Farke's Premier League record

Matches: 61
Wins: 9
Draws: 10
Losses: 42
Goals Scored: 42
Goals Conceded: 123
Points: 37
Win Rate: 14.8%
Points Per Game: 0.61

“If I was making a case for Farke’s defence, I would say that arguably he wasn’t backed properly in the summer transfer window. Certainly in terms of the forward areas where they’re really struggling to score goals. And I would argue actually that they’re probably where they should be.

“When you look at the calibre of their squad, they’re not underperforming. But they’ve got a difficult run of games ahead now.

“The two names that I’m hearing as potential successors… Postecoglou, whether he would be keen to jump straight into that job, having been a bit burnt at Forest, I’m not sure.

“And Rodgers, I think he is keen to return to management in the Premier League.

“So, one to keep an eye on. I think certainly there’s some substance to the fact that Farke is coming under pressure.”