Daniel Farke admits 'players were nervous' after feisty FA Cup clash with Chelsea

Ben McCaffrey
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:42:05 +0000

Leeds boss Daniel Farke has admitted his players were "nervous" after falling short against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, losing 1-0.

It was Chelsea skipper Enzo Fernandez who produced the killer blow, heading home after 23 minutes to fire his side into another cup final – their 14th in the FA Cup.

But for all the raucous and rowdy atmosphere before kick-off, the game failed to really ignite, with Leeds struggling to make any dents in a firm and watertight Chelsea defence.

A half-time tactical switch from Farke gave Leeds a new lease of life, along with the returning Anton Stach.

However, ultimately, it was not enough to overcome a stern Chelsea side, themselves reinvigorated after a chaotic week that saw boss Liam Rosenior lose his job.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Farke became increasingly frustrated throughout the game, both with his team's performance and Chelsea's time-wasting antics.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez hit the deck on the hour mark, apparently under instruction, allowing his side to regroup and hear a tactical shift from boss Calum McFarlane, which led to a minor scuffle in the technical boxes when Ethan Ampadu sneakily tried to listen in.

But Farke – keen to keep his "class" by not commenting on the tension on the pitch – cut a proud figure in the press room following the game, despite bemoaning his "disappointment" at Leeds' performance.

"We come away disappointed," the German told reporters after the match.

Farke lamented "unnecessary losses of the ball", saying his side were "clumsy in their build-up" and conceded that "the players were nervous".

He added: "We assisted them with their chances, like the goal. Players like [Pedro] Neto, [Joao] Pedro and Enzo [Fernandez] - they can find the net.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS

Chelsea beat Leeds to reach FA Cup final with Enzo Fernandez the difference maker

History made as first official sub-two-hour marathon set on London streets

Coco Gauff throws up on court during win at Madrid Open

"We brought the game in the second half with man-to-man pressing. Great saves again. Our deliveries, set-pieces and open play were not tidy."

But the Leeds boss was keen to refocus on Premier League survival after a draw away at Bournemouth earlier in the week saw them hit the famed 40-point mark.

"We don't dwell on this loss," he added.

"Disappointed, but when the dust has settled, we gave our club so much to be proud of: our best run in four decades.

"Right now, from tomorrow morning, we concentrate on our bread and butter business: survival."

With Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Tottenham all picking up wins this weekend, Leeds, who felt home and dry after their point on the south coast on Wednesday, now see themselves looking over their shoulders again.

They face already relegated Burnley on Friday night as they look to put any scares they could be dragged back into the survival scrap to bed.