At the start of the season, every Leeds United fan expected Daniel Farke not to prioritize cup competitions. The German has never been one to really focus on domestic cups since he took over at Elland Road.
The Whites were knocked out early in the EFL Cup, in a shocking defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Farke rotated most of the players and the result was the club exiting on penalties. In the club’s first FA Cup tie against Derby County, Leeds went with a rotated lineup too. A first half scare was enough to spark the team into action as the walked to a comfortable win.
The Whites’ journey to the FA Cup semi-final saw players who barely got minutes in the league get their chance. The likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Lucas Perri and Ao Tanaka starred in the games against Birmingham City, Norwich and West Ham.
Leeds star handed brutal reality check at Wembley
Before Sunday, some thought Sean Longstaff would partner Ao Tanaka like he did in previous rounds. However Farke went with the strongest lineup possible, with Ampadu in that role. But what happened in the second half was a serious reality check for Longstaff.
Leeds needed some changes to get back into the game, with Farke choosing to add another body to midfield. Instead of the former Newcastle man coming on, the Leeds boss gambled and brought on Anton Stach who had just returned from injury. In the end, the changes really did not affect the game as Chelsea won. Farke explained why he called on Stach even with his recent return form injury: “Normally, if you’re out for three and a half weeks, two sessions are not enough to take part, but this was a special occasion. Also Anton is a very special player for us.”
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Sean Longstaff has to accept his role in the team now
After a very bright start to the season, Sean Longstaff went down with an injury that ruled him out for over a month. His return to action was slow, and by the time he was back in full fitness, Ilia Gruev had taken over. So the former Newcastle man had to bide his time, playing regularly in the FA Cup. But with just 42 minutes played in the last four games in all competition, he now has to come to terms with his place in the pecking order.
