Daniel Farke has expressed his desire for Leeds United to embark on a successful FA Cup run, as evidenced by their recent 3-1 victory over Derby County in the third round. The Premier League side overcame a 1-0 deficit to secure a spot in the fourth round, with goals from Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, and James Justin.

Farke made eight changes to the team that lost to Newcastle United in midweek, with Jaka Bijol, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev being the only players to retain their places. The rotated side demonstrated resilience and quality, with Farke praising their performance after a slow start. He noted that it took about 20 minutes for the team to adjust to Derby's intensity and aggressiveness, but once they did, they put on an excellent display.

The Leeds manager emphasized the importance of having a winning feeling in the dressing room and lauded his players for their efforts. Despite acknowledging Derby County as a decent Championship side, he believed his team showcased an excellent performance, creating numerous chances and ultimately securing a well-deserved win.

The game at Pride Park saw a strong Leeds United following, with over 5,000 fans cheering on the team. The first half was a closely contested affair, with Leeds missing several opportunities and Derby taking the lead against the run of play. However, Leeds responded strongly in the second half, with Gnonto's equalizer shifting the momentum. Tanaka's goal soon after put Leeds in the lead, and Justin's late strike sealed the victory.

Farke's focus on the FA Cup signifies a change in approach compared to some previous Leeds managers. There is a desire to balance a cup run with maintaining their position in the Premier League. Some have cautioned against sacrificing league form for cup ambitions, recalling the 2022/23 season where a focus on the FA Cup arguably contributed to their relegation. Farke will be keen to avoid a repeat of that scenario, but his team selection and post-match comments suggest he is taking the FA Cup seriously.

Leeds will be hoping to continue their FA Cup journey and progress further in the competition. The win against Derby provides a confidence boost and demonstrates the squad's depth.