Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has issued an apology to the club's supporters following their disappointing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday. The Premier League side crashed out of the competition after losing 3-0 on penalties to their lower-league opponents at Hillsborough.
Farke, who made nine changes to his starting lineup for the second-round clash, expressed his disappointment and embarrassment at the result. Despite fielding a strong team, Leeds struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. A Karl Darlow own goal gave Sheffield Wednesday the lead, but Jayden Bogle equalized for Leeds after coming off the bench. However, the Whites were unable to find a winner and ultimately succumbed to a penalty shootout defeat, with Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Sean Longstaff all missing their spot-kicks.
"You can feel for them and sorry anyhow," Farke said when asked about his message to the fans. "We feel a bit embarrassed that we don't in such a game and you can just say sorry anyhow because they made the trip and wanted to celebrate." He acknowledged that the team had failed to deliver the desired outcome for the traveling supporters, who had hoped to see their team progress to the next round.
Farke admitted that his side should have converted more of their chances throughout the game. "We have to take all of the criticism and we are self-critical because out of all the chances we should put four or five goals to bed," he said. He also highlighted the unpredictable nature of cup competitions, where lower-league teams are often capable of causing upsets. "It's always a bit annoying and you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side, but we have been involved in so many games on this level, especially in the cup – this is why there are so many surprises and shock results," Farke explained.
The defeat was further compounded by an injury to midfielder Ao Tanaka, who Farke revealed will be out of action until after the international break. Tanaka suffered an MCL injury in the defeat against Arsenal. "MCL injury, he will also be out for a few weeks," Farke confirmed. "It's difficult at the moment to say exactly when he can return but also definitely not before the international break so it's quite a similar injury to Ethan Ampadu's".
Farke acknowledged the setback of losing two key central midfielders in quick succession but insisted that the team must find solutions and move forward. "Of course it's tough to take," he said. "Two of our key players in central midfield positions are out within a few days, but that's football. We have to get on with it and find some solutions".
