The summer signing said the history between the two clubs played a role i thr victory
Ampadu crashes into Enzo Fernandez
Ampadu crashes into Enzo Fernandez(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
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Jaka Bijol says Leeds United players had spoken about the club's historic rivalry with Chelsea prior to kick-off on Wednesday.
Bijol scored his first goal for the Whites with a powerful header to open the scoring after six minutes in the 3-1 win. The centre-back, who arrived for £15million in the summer, looked at ease in a back three and was one of the standout performers of the night.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, he admitted the rivalry between the teams had played an impact on the game and particularly on captain Ethan Ampadu, who made a series of crunching tackles during the match.
“We were just talking, as well the week before the game, about what this game brings also to the fans and to the history of the cup and everything. I was aware of it,” said Bijol. “I think you can see it today in all the tackles that everyone made, honestly. From the beginning, the skipper and everyone, honestly. It was incredible. It just brought the right energy to the game and the fans behind us were even better.”
Leeds played their best 45 minutes all season in the first-half, going into the break 2-0 ahead. The second half was also very encouraging with the 3-5-2 system and the gameplan working sublimely.
However, Bijol believes there are more levels Leeds can go to. “I think we can do better, honestly,” he said.
"I'm looking forward to what this team can show us towards the season, because I think we have a lot of quality, a lot of really good energy as well, and I'm sure we can do a lot of good stuff this year. We just have to continue on Saturday and keep some consistency.”
Asked how important the win was for the under-pressure Daniel Farke, Bijol replied: “It was important for everyone, honestly. I think everyone wants to give back the trust and everything, but it was important for everyone after the result that we had.
“Yeah, but we never stopped believing in ourselves and what we do in the trainings and everything, and we just kept our head down and worked, and we showed on the pitch.”
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