The ghosts of Leeds United’s past could haunt Daniel Farke if his own warning is ignored

After respectful celebrations at a Carrow Road stadium that Daniel Farke has called home for so long, the Leeds United manager headed to Norwich City’s press room to fulfill his usual post-match duties with the media written. Taking the seat on that October day, it was clear that the emotion of the last 90 minutes had affected the German somewhat.

“I’m exhausted and ready for the sofa,” was Farke’s opening gambit after witnessing a thrilling Whites comeback earlier this season under Crysencio Summerville. Two goals down with less than half an hour to play, Leeds claimed all three points after a tactical switch to a 3-5-2 system and an increase in intensity in a second half that seemed to provide fuel for a long undefeated period. run. Four days later, a defeat at Stoke City ended that hope.

But back to Carrow Road, the scene of Sunday’s semi-final first leg. The return to his old stomping ground was emotional for Farke seven months ago, who tempered his celebrations somewhat out of respect for a club he had twice managed to the Premier League.

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“It was my feeling to do that. I didn’t know how I was going to feel. Before the game I was just focusing on how we were preparing the boys,” the Leeds boss explained immediately after October’s 3-2 away win . for Leeds. “After the final whistle it was emotional for me. I never got a chance to say goodbye.

“I have a lot of appreciation from the home fans. This club will always have a special place in my heart. I am always grateful to be allowed to achieve what I have achieved and to play a small part in those memories. I wanted to dance with three massive points for my boys but I wanted to show some respect at Carrow Road, my home for a long time.”

The thrill of the return leg at Carrow Road won’t hit the same for Farke this weekend after getting that out of his system, focusing on taking a lead in next week’s return leg at Elland Road. Frustrated at missing out on automatic promotion, Leeds need to rediscover their form after a poor end to the league campaign, but there are positive lessons to be learned from two meetings with Norwich already this season.

“An advertisement for the Championship between two very good teams,” was how Farke described the last Norwich meeting between the clubs.

“Norwich are a good team with market danger. They are good on the counter. Normally at half-time you are disappointed when you are 2-0 down but I said we have to keep going and keep our nerve. It had to be more clinical. The only thing I can criticize is that the defense could have been quicker or sharper. The second goal is able to beat five of our players.

Farke’s words from last October will have to be heard this Sunday. Leeds need to be sharper in and out of possession and ensure they are more clinical in front of goal. In a two-legged affair, nothing is gained or lost from the first leg, but with confidence fragile and the squad a little late, the Whites do not want to give themselves a significant hurdle to overcome if the mistakes of the past are repeated. .