Daniel Farke insisted Leeds United will not take their FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham lightly as winning the trophy “would write a chapter” in their history.
Leeds travel to the London Stadium on Sunday, looking to reach their first FA Cup semi-final since the 1986-87 season.
The Whites have been eliminated from three quarter-finals since then, losing in 1995-96 versus Liverpool, in 1997-98 against Wolves, and in 2002-03 versus Sheffield United.
Leeds are just four points above the Premier League relegation zone ahead of a tough trip to Manchester United next weekend, but Farke is fully focused on the FA Cup at the moment.
“The Premier League is our bread and butter and is our priority,” said Farke.
“But I’m a big believer in cup competitions and we’re at this stage for first time in more than two decades.
“It makes no sense to put players in cotton wool. They need to stay in their rhythm. We want to go with a strong line up.
“An FA Cup win would write a chapter in history.”
Rewind: West Ham pic.twitter.com/LGmykw9D9V
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 2, 2026
West Ham currently occupy the final spot in the relegation zone, though they are just one point behind Tottenham ahead of a home game against Wolves.
West Ham have been eliminated from eight of their last 10 FA Cup quarter-final ties, with this their first since losing in a replay against Man United in 2015-16.
Like Farke, Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is looking only at their FA Cup tie amid the relegation battle.
“We play one game at a time. We prepare for one game at a time, so we are preparing for the FA Cup as best as we can so we can go through,” said Nuno.
“We cannot think about the Wolves game. We have to prepare and play well in this game, and then we will look forward.
“We know what this game means for our fans. We expect support, it’s a big occasion, so we’re looking forward to it.”
