Leeds United manager Daniel Farke said his squad is “highly motivated” to continue what he described as a FA Cup “dream” after the club reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2003. Leeds advanced with a 3-0 victory over Norwich City, a result that marks a notable milestone in the club’s recent cup history.
Farke highlighted the significance of returning to the last eight of the competition after more than two decades, framing the achievement as both a reward for the team’s efforts and an incentive to push further. He pointed to the performance against Norwich as evidence of the team’s focus and commitment in knockout play, noting the blend of discipline without the ball and composure in key attacking moments.
The manager also underlined the psychological boost that a deep cup run can provide for the squad and supporters. With Leeds having spent recent seasons focused heavily on league campaigns and promotion battles, an extended stay in the FA Cup offers a different kind of momentum and an additional platform for players to showcase their form.
While Farke avoided bold declarations about winning the competition, he described progression to the quarterfinals as a step that has raised expectations inside the dressing room. He stressed the need to maintain intensity and concentration in upcoming rounds, acknowledging that the quality of opposition will continue to rise as the tournament moves toward its final stages.
Farke’s comments also reflected the connection between the team and its fan base, noting that a strong FA Cup run brings extra excitement to matchdays at Elland Road and away grounds alike. He framed the situation as an opportunity for the club to add a memorable chapter to its modern cup record, stressing that the players understand the historical context of returning to the last eight after a long absence.
With the quarterfinals now ahead, Farke reiterated that the group remains hungry to keep the run going, describing the squad’s attitude as driven and fully engaged with the challenge of staying in the competition as long as possible.
