Daniel Farke says Leeds United expect the best of Chelsea on Sunday now their players cannot hide behind criticism of Liam Rosenior.
The Blues sacked the former Hull City coach on Wednesday after six league games without a goal, and a nine-match run where the only team they beat was Port Vale to set up their FA Cup semi-final.
The game will be a mental test, too, for those Leeds players beaten on the club's last trip to Wembley, even if Farke insists this one is completely different.
For Chelsea, who will be led by Calum McFarlane for the rest of the season, the picture has changed significantly in recent days.
SACKED: Chelsea dismissed coach Liam Rosenior on Wednesday (Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
SACKED: Chelsea dismissed coach Liam Rosenior on Wednesday (Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
"First of all, you feel for a colleague, a really good human being and a promising young manager like Liam," commented Farke.
"He's done really well abroad (managing Chelsea's feeder club Strasbourg) but sometimes we forget it's just his second season more or less in English football.
"I'm pretty sure he will have also still a big career in management and let's not forget how young he is (41). He will take this as a big experience and grow from it.
"If someone takes over just before your game, it doesn't make the preparation easier.
SEASON OVER: Ilia Gruev (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)placeholder image
SEASON OVER: Ilia Gruev (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
"It feels like a bit like a fresh start for the players.
"Everyone was talking about the manager – now this excuse is out of the way it's up to the players to deliver. They have to show the basics.
"When top-class players are showing the basics and have no excuses, then it can be a really dangerous side.
"I expect a Chelsea side who will be back to their best. I expect a side who will try to prove that it's a fresh start and the burden is a bit away and we want to show what we're capable of.
DOUBT: Jayden Bogle (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)placeholder image
DOUBT: Jayden Bogle (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
"I expect them to be back to their best free-flowing football.
"This doesn't take anything away (from the fact) that we want to be successful.
"We're prepared to face a really strong, a really dangerous side, a side who is the favourite. But we have shown against the top sides we are capable to bring a performance and to deliver a result.
"We are greedy to be successful in this game."
Six of the current Leeds squad played in the 2024 Championship play-off final at Wembley, when Southampton denied Leeds promotion.
"It was a different competition," insisted Farke.
"In which league you play, this is always crucial. If you play in the Premier League or not, this is always crucial.
"It was the first year after we took over, after we were just rebuilding something – a new culture, new patterns, also a new team.
"Now the team looks different. We have also made sure in the league that we are in a really good position.
"When you play the play-offs at Wembley, you have a lot to lose.
"This time around you can't lose anything. You can just make our supporters even more proud. We just can win.
"You can even win the trophy with this amazing club. You can even win Europe(an qualification).
"We're looking forward to have this game and pretty sure our supporters will travel in an unbelievably good mood knowing that we need a pretty special day because Chelsea is the favourite.
"We don't have to hide behind the fact, but we also don't hide that we are really in this to be successful.
"It's a game where we just can win something and there's nothing to lose, unlike two years ago."
Leeds go into the game unbeaten in seven matches and buoyed by a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth which took them to 40 points for the Premier League season – nine above the relegation zone.
"We had many good football games and we played on the front foot and dominated but sometimes the fight and unity to win the late point is more important for the whole group," argued Farke.
"That many players stepped into the spotlight who were perhaps not that much in the spotlight in recent weeks also helps the mood and the spirit within the group.
"We still have to be switched on and to be ready to go over the limits."
Ilia Gruev will miss Sunday's game and the remainder of the season with a knee injury picked up training for Wednesday's draw. Jayden Bogle went off injured in it, and Sebastiaan Bornauw had a problem in the warm-up.
"Jayden Bogle got a hit against his foot," said Farke. "It seems to be not too bad.
"We have to see how quickly he can recover. I hope to have him available for the game on Sunday.
"During the warm-up (Bornauw) rolled his ankle. It was pretty sore.
"On Thursday he was not able to join us in team training but I hope it's not too bad. At least it seems there is no ligament injury.
"I hope to have him back in training on Friday and if he is, he will also be available."
Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm, and is live on TNT Sports.