Farke on team fitness, being cup 'underdogs' and a 'magical night'
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley (kick-off 15:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Midfielder Ilia Gruev has a meniscus injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Farke said "it's not ideal and we all feel for him," but he should return in time for pre-season.
Jayden Bogle "got a hit against his foot" but Farke is hopeful the right-back will be available for Sunday. Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw "rolled his ankle" in the warm-up to the Bournemouth game and hasn't trained since. Farke said "there's no ligament damage" so he expects him to return to group training on Friday.
Farke said "we won't do anything too special for this game" in terms of preparation or "overload the players with special plans they have never executed" because they need to keep it as "normal" as possible. On carrying momentum in the game: "Everyone is in a good mood because we have nothing to lose and it's just another chance to write a bit more into this chapter of history. We can travel in a good mood with confidence.
We travel with respect but not fearful. " He said "in one game there's always a chance" to cause an upset, even as "underdogs". On opponents Chelsea: "We face a big name and play a side packed with top class players and unbelievable potential.
We will stick to our DNA. We have to be brave, play on the front foot and threaten the opponents. " He highlighted the benefits of Leeds having "unity and confidence" while Chelsea enter the fixture having sacked their second permanent manger of the season on Wednesday.