Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is weighing up the balance between FA Cup glory and Premier League survival as his side prepares for a quarter-final against West Ham on Sunday. The German, who holds an MA in economics, acknowledged that the league is the club's priority, but he is tempted by the chance to reach a first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.
Farke said: 'The Premier League's our bread and butter. It's our priority.' However, he also emphasised the importance of the cup: 'We have the chance to achieve something special and unique. We're taking the West Ham game very, very seriously.' He plans to field a strong starting lineup but will not risk players with physical problems.
Leeds have not won in their last six Premier League games, though four have been draws, and they sit four points above West Ham in the table. A victory could build momentum for the run-in, which includes trips to Tottenham and a final-day return to the London Stadium. Farke is awaiting scan results on striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who felt a hamstring issue in training.
The club's latest accounts showed a £49.2m pre-tax loss for the year ending June 2025, highlighting the financial risk of relegation. Farke must decide whether to prioritise survival or pursue a cup run that could define his tenure.
