Leeds boss Daniel Farke said his players were “highly motivated” to extend their FA Cup “dream” as their 3-0 win against Norwich will see them travel to West Ham United in their first quarter-final since 2003.
Leeds set for Hammers showdown
First-half goals from Sean Longstaff and Gabriel Gudmundsson put Leeds in control at Elland Road against Farke’s former club before Joel Piroe’s late effort sealed a place in the hat for the last eight.
West Ham meanwhile reached the quarter-finals for the first time in a decade with a 5-3 shoot-out win over Brentford after Dango Ouattara fluffed a Panenka-style penalty.
Farke said: “To be there in the quarter-finals is a big topic. It’s a while ago, I think over two decades ago, that we were there the last time.
“It’s still not realistic for us to win this cup. But who knows? We want to enjoy this cup run a bit longer. The dream is still ongoing and we’re looking forward to the draw – hopefully another home game.
“We haven’t had too many home games in the FA Cup in the last couple of decades and for that, we take it as motivation to be able, perhaps, to write another piece of amazing history for this club.”
Leeds, winners for the only time in 1972, last reached the competition’s last eight in 2003 when they lost 1-0 at Sheffield United under former manager Terry Venables.
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Farke, who stressed Premier League survival remained the club’s priority, said: “I have just one wish. It would be great to have a home game. But it’s a blessed position to be in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
“You still have more or less the big names through, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. So again, we are still not the favourites to win the cup.
“But we also know when we have a good day, we can win, especially one game, against each and every one.
“It’s a good feeling at the moment. It’s a good feeling to be back on the big stage, in this competition. We are definitely highly motivated to live this dream as long as possible.”
Leeds star may be sold after last chance vs Norwich
Farke tinkered with his team only slightly for the clash against his former side, and will be expected to go near full strength for the trip to the London Stadium.
That could mean Daniel James has had his last chance to impress, having struggled in the win over the Canaries, with a report from The Leeds Press claiming the winger could be sold this summer.
Indeed, they report that Farke’s call to change formation earlier in the season has limited the Welshman’s chances, and with him currently sat on a whopping £75,000-a-week, the club will be looking at ways to cash in this summer.
|
Leeds top earners |
Gross pay per week |
|---|---|
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin |
£100,000 |
|
Sean Longstaff |
£80,000 |
|
Daniel James |
£75,000 |
|
Noah Okafor |
£72,500 |
|
Pascal Struijk |
£50,000 |
James was brought in from Manchester United for £25m back in 2021, and has been a good servant, but has started just four Premier League games this season having struggled with injuries.
The 28 year-old has not started a league game since being hooked at half-time in the defeat at Manchester City, which was the exact moment the manager turned the Whites’ season around with a change to three at the back.
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The report claims James’ wages will be a ‘significant hurdle’ in finding a suitor this summer, meaning the transfer fee will likely be nowhere near the £25m shelled out five years ago.
