Daniel Farke is the right man to lead Leeds back to the Premier League, according to Jermaine Pennant.

The German manager has come under pressure after a stuttering start to the season, with promotion deemed essential at Elland Road following defeat in the play-off final in May.

Former Leeds star Pennant, who played 36 games in the club’s final Premier League campaign before their prolonged stay in the wilderness, believes Farke’s track record of two Championship titles with Norwich demonstrates why the Whites – who beat Sheffield United 2-0 on Friday night – should be patient in their pursuit of the promised land.

“He knows how to get out of that league, he’s done it many times with Norwich so he’s probably the perfect person and fit for Leeds,” said Pennant, speaking at the Copa del Cure Leukaemia tournament at St George’s Park.  

“They’ve had a few injuries but that league is so gruelling that you can be nowhere after 20 games and all of a sudden go on a run and be second in the league.

“It would be hard for them financially if they don’t go up, a big hit and it would be a disaster but it’s a tough league and there are some big teams in it.

“I am sure that come 46 games, they will be there or thereabouts in the race to get back into the Premier League.”

There are some concerns, however, around Farke’s ability to keep a side up having been relegated straight back down to the Championship on two occasions with Norwich.

The preferred candidate appears to be Carlos Corberán, who spent three years with Leeds prior to becoming Huddersfield Town’s head coach in July 2020.

But Pennant says Leeds are just fine with Farke and suspects he would fare much better in the Premier League with his current employers than he did in East Anglia.

“Leeds are better suited if they do go up to stay in the Premier League,” said Pennant.

“Norwich weren’t Premier League ready whereas Leeds are a Premier League giant, so I’m sure if they do get back up they will learn from their mistakes and hopefully stay there.”

Pennant may have only spent one forgettable season at Leeds but he has fond memories of his time at the club and believes the Premier League is a better product with Leeds in it.

“It would be great for the city, it’s a massive football town and the atmosphere is second to none,” Pennant added.

“Elland Road when it’s bouncing, is a joy to play and be involved in. For a team like Leeds not to be in the premier league is a massive miss.”

Cure Leukaemia is a UK-based blood cancer charity founded in 2003, working to accelerate the process of bringing life-saving treatments to leukaemia patients by funding specialist Research Nurses across the country