The date for Leeds United’s FA Cup clash at Chelsea has been confirmed as Wednesday evening, on February 28 – and manager Daniel Farke has slammed the decision to place the game on that date.
February looks like an incredibly difficult run of fixtures. We still have four games before Leeds then go to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. The last of which, a Friday clash against leaders Leicester City.
The fifth round of The FA Cup has been scheduled between Monday 26th, to Wednesday 28th. We have been picked for TV, with ITV4 set to show our clash against Chelsea – the game chosen for Wednesday.
That is despite our game against Huddersfield being picked for lunchtime on March 2. Less than 72 hours between two away games – when the Chelsea gave could have been picked a day or two earlier.
Three days later, Leeds host Stoke and then after another 72 hours – we go to Sheffield Wednesday. Four games in 10 days. Farke said the scheduling is “ridiculous” in today’s press conference on YouTube.
“It’s a difficult topic. We get the benefit, they put much money on the table. But sometimes, there is a topic where enough is enough. It is this case, with the Chelsea game. I don’t blame anyone. It’s the 18th time we’re picked for a TV game. It’s good, it means this club is attractive. That’s great. But in the sense of fair play. Back here the early hours of Thursday, the next game is Saturday – 12.30, an away game.
“Next game is a Tuesday. Then at least, the next game move it to Sunday – but no Friday. Four games in 10 games. This is the crunch time of the season. I would never complain it if is the same for all teams. But it feels just for us, the whole season, it’s not in the sense of fairplay. I don’t blame the broadcasters. There must be an instance where someone judges load. It’s ridiculous no-one sees the bigger picture.”
Daniel Farke rants at scheduling of Leeds United trip to Chelsea
It is ridiculous. Scheduling the game for Tuesday would have made sense, or at least, moving the clash against Huddersfield beyond Saturday lunchtime. Maybe, a Sunday lunchtime to give Farke an extra day.
What it means, is that Leeds are not going to get back from Chelsea until the early hours of Thursday. Recovery means Leeds will not be able to train before Huddersfield. Strain on the bodies even more so.
This isn’t at the start of the season, either. It is at a crucial part of the season where Leeds determine whether they will succumb to a play-off place – or go for the top two. The squad’s depth will be tested.
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