Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is expressing his unwavering confidence in his players ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Norwich City. Despite a less than stellar end to their regular season, with just one win in their final six games, Farke believes in the abilities of his team and stands by them wholeheartedly. He emphasizes that while they may not be the most experienced or perfect side, he wouldn’t trade any of his players for anyone else.
Farke also highlights his team’s winning mentality, particularly in high-pressure games. He points out their victories against Leicester and Ipswich as examples of their ability to rise to the occasion. However, he acknowledges that consistency in less glamorous matches would have been beneficial. Nonetheless, with 90 points under their belt, he believes they have a strong chance in the play-offs and remains optimistic about their prospects.
Having previously managed Norwich City for four years, Farke is well aware of the challenge his former team poses. Although Leeds achieved a double over Norwich in the regular season, he dismisses the significance of those results in the upcoming semi-final. He emphasizes that this is an entirely new competition and that the past is irrelevant at this stage.
On the other side, Norwich boss David Wagner echoes Farke’s sentiments about the regular season results. He emphasizes that both teams now have an equal opportunity to secure promotion to the Premier League. Wagner highlights that Leeds were initially considered favorites for promotion but fell short of their target, while Norwich managed to secure a sixth-place finish. He believes all four teams in the play-offs have a 25% chance of making it to the Premier League.
Wagner draws on his experience of winning promotion through the play-offs with Huddersfield in 2017. He believes that having achieved success in the past gives him and his team confidence and an understanding of what it takes to triumph in these high-stakes matches. While past success does not guarantee future results, Wagner sees it as an advantage rather than a disadvantage.
In terms of team news, Norwich’s Shane Duffy is available for selection despite facing charges of driving while unfit through drink. However, striker Ashley Barnes will miss the first leg due to a calf injury. Leeds, on the other hand, will be without striker Patrick Bamford for both legs of the semi-final due to a knee injury.
Overall, both Farke and Wagner are approaching the play-offs with optimism and a belief in their respective teams. The focus is on the present moment and the opportunity to secure promotion to the Premier League, with past results deemed irrelevant. The stage is set for an intense and unpredictable battle between Leeds United and Norwich City, where anything can happen.