Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United want to take the cup competitions seriously this season.
Cup competitions and Leeds – especially the FA Cup – have certainly not been a great match over the last few years, with the Whites failing to progress further than the fourth round since the 2015/16 season.
Things aren’t much better for Leeds when it comes to the Carabao Cup, either – losing to the likes of Hull City and Preston North End respectively over the last few years and have failed to get past the fourth round since the 2016/17 campaign.
Given Leeds’ usual poor efforts in the cup, they may have been able to play their postponed Man United fixture on the weekend of this season’s FA Cup fourth round, but speaking on The Phil Hay Show, Hay has claimed the club are looking to take them seriously this season.
He said: “Well, they have spoken about actually making a go at the cups this season, so perhaps not [playing in FA Cup fourth round weekend].
“I don’t know whether or not they will try to get any of these postponed games in before the World Cup given that there is this big break coming up, and then it will be right back into it from Boxing Day onwards.”
What should be Leeds' priority?
Cup competitions!
Premier League!
TIF Thoughts on Leeds’ chances in the cups…
Given how congested fixtures are going to be for those involved in Europe throughout this season, it could well be the best chance for a team to have a surprise run at the FA Cup or Carabao Cup if the bigger sides are going to field weaker teams in those matches.
Given how Leeds have started and placed themselves inside the top 10, Jesse Marsch may believe that his squad have the tools and ability to perform sufficiently in the league and cup competitions.
While nobody at Leeds or within the club’s fanbase will likely be expecting them to win some silverware this season, to still be in both competitions come January would surely bring about a feel-good factor both on and off the pitch and make some start to believe that this could be their year.