Daniel Farke praised Lucas Perri’s response to recent adversity after the Brazilian goalkeeper played a decisive role in Leeds United’s FA Cup shootout win at Birmingham City.
The Whites were pushed all the way by their Championship hosts, eventually requiring penalties to book their place in the fifth round - and it was Perri who delivered when it mattered most.
“They made this a really difficult game for us”
Farke was quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by Birmingham, admitting his side had to dig deep after a difficult first half.
“*First of all I have to say really well done to Birmingham, they made this a really difficult game for us, like expected,*” he said.
“Fantastic home performance, you could feel they’re in red hot form. Stadium was buzzing, everyone on it. We have rotated a bit more than we would perhaps do for a league game."
The Leeds boss conceded that his team were second best before the interval.
“No question they were better in the first half, they would have deserved to be in the lead. We brought many offensive players on, it could be the case if you don’t dominate you’re a bit outmuscled. Not too many positives in the first half although we were suffering we still found a way to keep a clean sheet. Perri with good saves, last row with many blocks.”
After the break, Farke altered both personnel and structure in an attempt to wrestle back control.
“*We changed our set-up and brought our captain Ethan Ampadu in, a bit more physicality, changed the base formation and won step by step more control. Better in pressing, well taken goal but they stayed in the game, was very tight, very competitive. It’s football. They had too many corners and out of one we cleared it but a strike from 25 yards, deflected, goes in, 90th minute. I’m happy we showed resilience. We used penalties, well taken and Perri was again excellent.*”
“He fully deserves to be in the spotlight today”
Having lost his starting spot to Karl Darlow following high-profile errors against Manchester United and Newcastle, Perri’s return to the XI carried added scrutiny.
He responded with a crucial first-half save at 0-0 and later produced the decisive stop in the shootout, palming away Tommy Doyle’s effort before Patrick Roberts missed his penalty entirely.
Farke was delighted for his goalkeeper - even if he believes there is still more confidence to rebuild.
“*I’m very happy and delighted with him, he fully deserves to be in the spotlight today,*” said Farke.
“He’s such a smart and thoughtful guy. *When you have a difficult period it’s a bit more helpful when you’re not that thoughtful and overthinking. It’s great that he’s such an intelligent guy but it was not easy for him in recent weeks. He’s still on the way to recover from this and to win his momentum back but days like this are best for that. He deserves all his praise.*”
Buonanotte substitution explained
Facundo Buonanotte’s full debut lasted just 45 minutes as Leeds struggled physically in midfield, prompting Farke to introduce Ampadu at half-time.
The German urged patience with the young loanee.
“*It’s what I spoke about - he’s a very young player, so young he doesn’t take a spot on our Premier League list,*” he said.
“He’s not played much football in the last years. It’s not like you come here and can deliver, step-by-step you have to fight and get your rhythm back.
“*He knows he’s a bit away from his very best and has to work hard in training and when he gets a chance use every minute to bring himself to a level where he can shine in every game, even on Premier League level. Important 45 minutes nonetheless. I don’t want to be overly critical, it’s difficult to shine when you haven’t played much.*”
Leeds have not progressed beyond the fifth round of the FA Cup since 2003 - something Farke is keen to change. And while the Whites have done it the hard way at St Andrew’s, the boss has one clear wish for the next round.
“*The first thing I dream about would be a home draw,*” he said.
“It’s great if you win it [away] but I would also like to have a proper packed Elland Road in the next round. We know the recent history of the club is not great in the FA Cup."
“Step by step it’s not perhaps realistic to dream of a win at Wembley but I like a proper cup run. A cup run is always excitement for the supporters and players. Just one game per week we don’t rotate too much, but with cup games we can share minutes even more."
“*Everyone knows they have to stay on it and focused and they’re needed. For the whole group it’s beneficial. It’s the cup with the biggest history in Europe and it’s a chance to write a special chapter in the club’s history.*”