Apr 3, 2026, 11:03 AM
Open Extended Reactions
Daniel Farke has challenged his Leeds players to write "another chapter of history for this club" by reaching the FA Cup semifinals for the first time in 39 years.
Leeds lost 3-2 after extra time to eventual winners Coventry in the 1987 semifinals at Hillsborough and have not made it to the last four since.
They play at Premier League rivals West Ham in the quarterfinals on Sunday after reaching the last eight for the first time since 2003 by beating Farke's former club Norwich 3-0 at Elland Road in the previous round.
Farke said: "The Premier League is our bread and butter, it has the highest priority, but I'm a big believer in the cup. The first time in over two decades in the FA Cup quarter-finals."
Leeds' last trip to Wembley ended in a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the 2024 Championship playoff final before Farke's side won automatic promotion as champions the following season.
Daniel Farke says he recognises the importance of both Leeds' Premier League survival bid and the FA Cup Matt McNulty/Getty Images
"First of all [we would hope for] a better outcome than the last time we were at Wembley," Farke said.
"But we know that to take part in a semifinal would be another chapter of history for this club because we haven't been there for such a long time.
"To win the cup is something different, but we'll take it step by step. We're on a good path in the Premier League and happy to be in a quarterfinal.
"We want to take it with both hands, but we are respectful that West Ham will want to do the same and also they don't have to travel."
Leeds currently sit 15th in the top flight, four points clear of the relegation zone with seven games remaining, and will resume their survival bid at Manchester United on April 13.
- Man United to face Leeds in historic Croke Park friendly
- How to watch 2025-26 FA Cup quarterfinals on ESPN
"We have seven weeks to concentrate in order achieve our goals. The group is so committed and so together in order to achieve what we want to achieve," Farke said.
"We have a chance, with this special and unique group, to write a chapter of history. We would do that if we achieve Premier League survival and progress through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's tie, but otherwise Farke expects to have a full-strength squad, with Sweden defender Gabriel Gudmundsson available after suspension.