Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is ready to park sentiment to navigate a route through the play-offs against former club Norwich City. 

The German boss saw his Leeds side fall short of automatic promotion despite a much-improved 2024 that pushed them to within touching distance of top two Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

Despite finishing on 90 points, Farke is going to have to inspire his side to put the disappointment of missing out on the top two to one side as they prepare to face City in the two-legged semi finals, starting at Carrow Road next Sunday.

Farke managed over 200 games and won two Championship titles during a hugely successful four-year spell in Norfolk, but is now plotting their demise as he seeks to finish the job with his new employers.

Asked about the latest reunion with the Canaries, Farke admitted the game would be ‘special’ but that there would little room for sentiment.

“It’s a bit special. My first return to Carrow Road as an opposition manager was quite emotional. The second game felt a bit like business as normal,” Farke said.

“I will always be grateful to this club for fantastic memories and a great time. It’s always good to be able to re-meet some nice, friendly and kind people over there, but my only focus right now [is Leeds].

“It feels like this team is the third best team in the league, we deserve to reward ourselves with promotion. This is my only focus. I want to promote with this team because this group, supporters and club deserve it.

Norwich Evening News: Daniel Farke admitted his first Carrow Road return in October was emotional.Daniel Farke admitted his first Carrow Road return in October was emotional. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

“This is my only thought right now, so there won’t be much time to be overly emotional or think about saying hello to some people. It’s more like a normal game.

“It will be difficult because they’ve had a really good run in, lots of good results and had a really good spell. It will be a tight match because they have a very experienced group and many players who have experienced promotion and they can play pragmatic.

“It will be really difficult against them and this club needs all my energy, focus and effort to make sure we are successful in these two legs.”