Leeds United: Daniel Farke reveals Sunderland, Sheffield United motivation after Swansea City victory | OneFootball

Leeds boss Farke revealed the message that he sent his players before the game in South Wales.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has revealed that the chance to go above Sunderland and Sheffield United and to the top of the Championship table was a key motivation for his side, revealing this after their thrilling 4-3 win at Swansea City.

Speaking to the Irish News, Farke even admitted that the chance to go top of the table was something he mentioned in his pre-match talk to the players.

It was the Swans who initially took the lead in South Wales, with Harry Darling striking early to put the hosts in control, before Manor Solomon levelled the game.

Liam Cullen put the Welsh side ahead again just before the break with his well-executed - and at that point - it looked as though Luke Williams' men had a good chance of winning this clash.

But the Whites hit back, with Ben Cabango's goal levelling the game once again in the 55th minute, before Solomon grabbed his second and Leeds' third.

When Florian Bianchini converted Josh Tymon's cross in the 90th minute, it looked as though the Swans were going to take a point from this match, but Willy Gnonto struck late to make it 4-3.

With the Whites sealing all three points, that has taken them to the top of the Championship table, after the Black Cats and the Blades both dropped points.

Both teams were in the lead on Saturday afternoon, but both were unable to retain their leads and secured draws at The Den and the Coventry Building Society Arena in the end.

Daniel Farke makes pre-match talk admission after Leeds United win v Swansea City

With the Black Cats and the Blades both dropping points and Leeds having a game in hand over Burnley ahead of Sunday afternoon's game in South Wales, the Whites knew a win would take them to the top of the second-tier table.

Farke used this as a motivation tool ahead of the game at the Swansea.com Stadium, telling the Irish News: "The whole team wanted to win this game because it was the first time for ages that the club had the chance to be top of the league. Sometimes this mentality is more important than just the tactical side of a football game.

"With my former club (Norwich) I finished top spot two times and won the league, and I’m happy when I’m in position one.“So I said: ‘come on and claim this top spot’ even if we know this league is a marathon and not a sprint.

"It is good to be on top, even if it is on goal difference at the moment by the way."

Daniel Farke's motivation technique paid dividends for Leeds United

The pre-match talk could have backfired - because some may have seen it as a way to put more pressure on Leeds.

But it probably gave them the motivation to push for a late winner in the end, rather than just settling for a draw.

It would have been easy for them to have sat back and picked up a draw - because it would have kept them in the promotion mix and in reach of the summit of the table.

But they showed a great mentality to push forward and score a last-minute winner.

This result could prove to be crucial at the end of the season.