Farke admits Leeds were ‘too nervous’ in FA Cup semi-final

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·26 April 2026

Farke admits Leeds were ‘too nervous’ in FA Cup semi-final

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has said his team were ‘a bit too nervous’ in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

Farke’s side missed out on a first FA Cup final appearance in 53 years after losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. Enzo Fernandez scored a first-half winner for the Blues, heading home from Pedro Neto’s cross.

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Leeds had chances to score, with Robert Sanchez making several saves for Chelsea, including an early one-against-one to deny Brenden Aaronson. However, The Whites were unable to find a breakthrough and Farke believes the occasion got to his side.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he said: “It was a tight game. They were able to find the back of the net. I think we nearly dominated at least one statistic more shots on target, more expected goals, more big chances missed. But it’s also fair to say that the football in the first half we didn’t have our best days.

“You could feel the boys were a bit too nervous today to be at their free-flowing best and for that we had a few unnecessary loss of the balls and assisted more or less to their two or three chances in the first half.

“We were not played out of the park even though it wasn’t our best game in the first half. Credit to my players. We went for it and pressed higher and dominated more. Of course, you always have to be switched on for counter attacks. But the goalkeeper was able to get two great saves. And the defensive flow of Chelsea was there, it was top defensive behavior.

“They always had an answer to all our questions that we asked. It’s hard to take anyhow, but nevertheless, I’m proud of the cup run.”

Read – Sanchez says Chelsea winner ‘straight from training ground’

See more – Chelsea retain FA Cup hoodoo over old rivals Leeds