Daniel Farke’s Elland Road appeal says it all about Leeds United’s hopes and fears

Exaggeration is Daniel Farke’s big fear when he returns to Elland Road with his Leeds United side for the second leg of their play-off semi-final. A sell-out crowd is anticipated in LS11, and the emotions of that raucous crowd can overwhelm any footballer, Leeds or opponent.

Farke has seen the power of that stadium throughout this season. His wild instincts led the team to an unforgettable victory over champions Leicester City, but the German also saw some of his players fall short there.

With this game a do-or-die shot to reach Wembley, every pass, error, shot and tackle can have huge consequences. Leeds have largely thrived in games under the spotlight this season, as Farke puts it, but they must not expose themselves to sloppy Norwich trying to win the game in 10 minutes.

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Asked if he felt his side now had the advantage with the score level and Elland Road in the lead, Farke said: “No, anything is still possible. You’d rather play at home than away, but anything is possible.

“You just have to look towards the semi-finals of the Champions League, probably, so every team can win in a situation like that. You have to make sure that when you have that support from the home fans, you don’t overdo things, you don’t get too motivated.”

Borussia Dortmund, one of the clubs close to Farke’s heart, went to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final with a one-goal lead. The French giants had a much more expensive squad and were favourites, despite a one-goal deficit.

Kylian Mbappe’s side would have 30 shots to seven, 70% Dortmund possession, hit the woodwork several times and then lose the tie 2-0 on aggregate. Farke is well aware of what Norwich can do if Leeds overcommit in attack.

“Norwich are just a very good side and a threat on the counter-attack as well,” he said. “If you’re too greedy and open up too many spaces, then they might punish you. We have to make sure we find a good, good margin.

“We like to play at home. There is no doubt about it. We have an overall very good home record in the season, but it’s never guaranteed. (It’s) still 50-50 and both sides have the same chance to earn their place in the final.

“I am happy with today’s performance. Overall, happy with the result, but still nothing done. It’s another tight game and we have to make sure we keep going because Norwich are a really, really dangerous team.”