It will be a disaster if Leeds don’t get promoted, but not for Daniel Farke

Leeds have assets in the squad that are attractive to others but would prefer to play in the white shirt next season in the Premier League. Standing in their way is a two-legged tie that pits Farke against his former club. They attended a team dinner this week as they try to regain the momentum lost in the final weeks of the season, when they won once in their last six games.

Norwich manager David Wagner, speaking to telegraphinsisted the pressure is on Leeds to get promotion and his sentiments were echoed by the players at Carrow Road, speaking about the semi-final.

“I don’t believe in mind games,” Farke said. “Every team wants to win. If you win you are happy and if you lose you are not happy. Pressure on both teams. Both teams have earned this right for a chance at promotion. Both sides want to do this. Don’t think that nobody there is willing to be promoted and stay in the championship.”

Leeds have picked up 90 points this season but Farke has not been immune to criticism, with his tactics being questioned. He insists, heading into the play-offs, that he will not change his methods at this stage of the campaign.

“Tactics is important, what we want to do with and without the ball,” Farke said. “We are working on it. We don’t push a magic button and change our entire approach to park the bus or get the balls out of the stadium. This is not my team. We will try to be ourselves and control the game when necessary.

“I trust my players. It’s not about me. It’s not about playing chess with the opponent’s manager. In such a crunch game, it is the players who decide things. Managers are there to support and support you. We’re preparing them the best way we can, but the game isn’t going to be won or lost by great decisions down the lane.”