Leeds United are back in action in the FA Cup on Sunday, when they face Championship outfit Norwich City at Elland Road, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Progressing into the last eight of the competition would be an ideal way to lift the mood around Elland Road at the minute, considering the two frustrating losses Leeds have endured recently against Manchester City and Sunderland.
The Whites will be without Daniel Farke on the touchline for the cup tie, with Farke being given a one-match ban following his conduct after the final whistle in the Man City game, as confirmed by an official FA statement.
Norwich City boss Philippe Clement has had his say on the upcoming clash, with the Belgian making a bold claim that is certain to raise a few eyebrows.
Philippe Clement believes Norwich are capable of beating ‘every team in the world’
Given how tricky Leeds’ last game in the FA Cup was against Birmingham, Farke will know that his side cannot afford to underestimate Norwich if they want to progress in the competition.
However, Clement’s comments ahead of his side’s trip to West Yorkshire are certainly interesting to say the least.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Clement said: “Big challenge, good team, big club, big fan base, I know the club (Leeds) already from the past. I played against them one time in a friendly with Monaco, and even then, the stadium was full. So that was a good experience, and for us as a club, as for the squad, it’s also a really good challenge. Leeds are doing really well in the Premier League.
“For the moment, it looks like they’re out of the relegation zone battle there. It’s good to compete at that level and to see how our players can perform at that level. I believe that against every opponent on our day, we can win against every team in the world. I believe that, and I think my players believe that also now.”
Given the fact that Norwich currently sit 17th in the Championship, it is certainly a bold claim from Clement to suggest they can compete with any team in the world, and Leeds will be hoping to hand the Canaries a brutal reality check on Sunday.
Ao Tanaka among those who must impress against Norwich
The FA Cup games ensure players who find themselves on the fringes of Farke’s squad can be given a rare opportunity for some minutes as they aim to play their way in starting XI.
Alongside Tanaka, the likes of Willy Gnonto and Sean Longstaff will all be hoping to impress if they are handed a start against Norwich; however, there is arguably more pressure on Tanaka’s shoulders.
The Japanese international has been an unused substitute in United’s last six Premier League games, and in his last appearance in the FA Cup against Birmingham, Tanaka failed to stand out.
- Tanaka had an 83% pass completion rate against Birmingham
- Of the three tackles he attempted during the game, none were successful
- Tanaka also lost possession seven times during the game (Sofascore)
The 27-year-old will know that the Norwich clash is potentially his last opportunity to impress Farke this season, and Tanaka must be prepared to grab any opportunity he gets with both hands.
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