Relegation Worries Deepen at Leeds: Head Coach Criticises Squad Performance After Nottingham Forest Match Okafor and Co. Under Fire Leeds Manager Voices Frustration…read more….

Leeds United’s Premier League survival battle, already tense, has taken an unexpectedly uneasy turn despite a strong result on the pitch. On Friday night, Leeds recorded a 3–1 win against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest at Elland Road, with Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in a convincing display that moved them nine points clear of the bottom three.

Yet behind the scenes, Leeds boss Daniel Farke has expressed frustration with aspects of his squad’s performance, urging greater consistency and accountability as the campaign enters its crucial final weeks.

The victory, one that should have eased pressure, instead appears to have exposed lingering concerns about the team’s performance consistency and mentality. Okafor, who netted Leeds’ second goal and celebrated his first strike in months, was among several players singled out by supporters and pundits for mixed reviews this season — praised for flashes of quality but criticised for inconsistency.

In the dressing room after the Forest match, a restrained but clearly firm message emerged from the manager, reflecting the complexities of navigating a survival fight even after a positive result. Sources close to the club report that Farke emphasised the need for all players to push beyond isolated contributions and deliver consistent performances week in, week out — a rare but pointed critique from a coach known for his measured public tone.

“Tonight’s win was massive, but we can’t just rely on moments — we have to build on this,” the manager reportedly told his squad. “There’s too much room for improvement in our decision-making and defensive organisation. We must tighten up and be more relentless.”

That message reflects legitimate concerns. Despite climbing out of immediate danger, Leeds remain only 16th in the table, a position that still leaves them vulnerable if results falter.

Okafor’s goal, celebrated as a rare bright spark, was a reminder of the talent within the squad. But it also highlighted how dependent Leeds have been on sporadic individual contributions to generate forward momentum. That inconsistency has drawn the ire of fans and commentators alike, many of whom believe key figures — not just Okafor but several others — must raise their game to secure survival comfortably.

Some supporters and pundits have gone further, arguing that the squad’s defensive lapses and lack of clinical edge at times have masked deeper tactical issues, with calls for clearer leadership on the field. While Okafor’s scoring touched off praise, there were also voices urging the forward to convert that sparkle into a sustained fight for goals in upcoming fixtures.

Off the pitch, attention is also turning towards upcoming fixtures and the intensity of the relegation battle across the league. Even with a cushion, Leeds cannot afford complacency, something Farke appears determined to guard against.

“We’ve taken three important points,” he said in public remarks after the match, emphasising the importance of the result. “Now we have to keep pushing, keep improving — all of us.”

Although fans will undoubtedly celebrate the win and Okafor’s contribution, inside Elland Road there’s a clear understanding that the fight for survival isn’t over — and criticisms from the manager highlight the urgency of lifting performance levels as the season reaches its climax.