Daniel Farke may yet see unusual results arising between now and the end of the Championship season for Leeds United’s competitors.
If Leeds United had not won on Monday night, they would still be in the running for automatic promotion because of the bizarre results that await them before May 5. That’s according to Daniel Farke, who believes Leicester City and Ipswich Town may make mistakes before the race.
Leeds returned to the top two with three points at Riverside Stadium, and they have the opportunity to expand their lead over Ipswich to four points on Friday. With the league standings looking as it did before 8 p.m. on Monday, it appeared like a win was required for the Whites to assert themselves after only winning once in their previous five games.
However, when asked if a draw or loss would have ended their top-two ambitions, Farke did not believe so. He still sees their nearest competitors shedding points in unexpected games before 2.30pm on May 4.
“It was an important game,” he remarked. “I never give up hope in this league, or in football. As long as there is a chance with a few games remaining, I will always take it.
“I wouldn’t have claimed the chase for automatic promotion was finished since this league is unpredictable and can produce unexpected results, but the three points are huge for us.
“Without them, it would be much more difficult to put pressure on the top two, so it was critical. We’re back in the top two, and it was critical we won.”
Ipswich must watch Leeds play again at Queens Park Rangers on Friday night before heading to play-off contender Hull City at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The Tractor Boys’ second game in hand is next Tuesday against FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry City.
On the last day, Leeds face Southampton, Leicester play Blackburn Rovers, and Ipswich face Huddersfield Town.
