Farke’s season-changing decision back in November allowed Leeds to dream big as they take on Chelsea in Sunday’s semi-final
As far as turning points go, Daniel Farke‘s decision during the half-time break away at Manchester City back in late November was a pretty big one for Leeds United. Heading into the game at Etihad Stadium on the back of four defeats in five games, the Leeds boss saw City cruise past his team in the first half for a 2-0 lead at the interval.
With pressure mounting and his back against the wall after a poor start to the season, Farke switched from a possession-minded 4-3-3 formation to a counter-attacking 3-5-2 during half-time.
Whether a light-bulb moment or a last-resort move, it worked.
In came out-of-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin upfront and Jaka Bijol to form a back three alongside Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon. The English striker would go on to record a double-digit scoring season for the first time since 2020/21, with Bijol becoming a mainstay in Leeds’s defence.
The Whites netted twice, but Man City were clinical – or rather lucky – enough to secure all three points thanks of a Phil Foden winner in stoppage time.
Almost five months fast-forward, a Leeds side that had picked up only 11 points from 13 games following the final whistle at Etihad, have taken a solid step towards securing safety by reaching the much-coveted 40-point mark, a tally that all but guarantees survival.
Meanwhile, they have made it to their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987 and, more importantly, they have demonstrated that they have what it takes to go all the way.
An opponent that strikes no fear to Leeds
Some may argue that the road to the semi-finals has not posed a major challenge, as Leeds faced – and eliminated – League Two side Harrogate Town, as well as Championship teams Millwall, Derby, Birmingham and Norwich City before beating Premier League strugglers West Ham on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Yet, it should be noted that Leeds played only two of those games on home soil, opting for extended rotations as they’ve been juggling between two competitions.
Getting all players involved has helped Farke on the course of the season, with Leeds staying fresh in the last stretch of 2025/26. After knocking out an improved West Ham on the road, the Whites secured a return to Wembley, where they haven’t won since beating Liverpool in the 1992 Charity Shield. They’ve set up a meeting against a struggling Chelsea side, who have lost seven of their last eight games across all competitions.
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In their bid to get their season back on track, the Blues parted ways with Liam Rosenior and they now hope that the new-manager bounce will be enough to turn things around at Stamford Bridge under interim coach Callum McFarlane.
Leeds have faced Chelsea twice so far this season. Their first duel came only a few days after the aforementioned game against Manchester City and sent a firm message across the league: Leeds were here to stay.
Bijol and Ao Tanaka netted twice before the break, with Calvert-Lewin scoring for a second consecutive match to clinch a 3-1 victory. The two teams would lock horns again in mid-February, with Leeds showing character to come back from two goals down and secure a 2-2 draw courtesy of goals from Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor.
Before this season, their previous meeting was back in February 2024, when Conor Gallagher dealt a heavy blow to Leeds’ morale by netting late in a 3-2 home victory that led to FA Cup elimination in Round 5. Hence, operation revenge is on.
“We are used to playing top sides, if we play our best game we know we always have a chance, of course we are not favourites but we travel with respect but not fearful,” Farke told the press conference prior the final.
During Leeds’ journey to the semi-finals, Farke has repeatedly referred to winning the trophy as a “dream”. The Whites went all the way just once, back in 1972 – four years before the German coach was even born. Over five decades later, he wants to be the one to deliver the much sought-after silverware to the Leeds faithful.
“You can see it in the fans’ eyes, I know how much it means to them,” he said back in early April.
“We will be the underdog, that’s for sure. Chelsea are a big name and a side full of top players, but we have written history. Nobody expected us to go through to the semi-final and, of course, we are greedy to go to the next step.
“Now we will try to take over the capital with 30,000 people.”
Less than a year after Crystal Palace pulled an upset by beating Manchester City in the final of the competition, Farke’s Leeds dream big as they head into the semi-final against Chelsea.
Five months after Farke’s season-changing decision, the Whites have their eyes set on the prize. Riding a solid momentum after stretching their unbeaten run to seven games with a 2-2 midweek draw away at a Bournemouth side pushing for European qualification, this Leeds have all the ingredients to make history at Wembley.
