Farke on team fitness, being cup 'underdogs' and a 'magical night'

TL;DR

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke discusses team fitness and preparations ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. Key player Ilia Gruev is out for the season, while Farke remains optimistic about other players' availability.

Key points

Ilia Gruev out for the season due to meniscus injury
Farke optimistic about Jayden Bogle's availability
Leeds aiming to maintain normal preparations for Chelsea match
Farke believes in the team's confidence and unity
Leeds viewed as underdogs in the FA Cup semi-final

Leeds UnitedChelsea

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Midfielder Ilia Gruev has a meniscus injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Farke said "it's not ideal and we all feel for him," but he should return in time for pre-season.
Jayden Bogle "got a hit against his foot" but Farke is hopeful the right-back will be available for Sunday.
Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw "rolled his ankle" in the warm-up to the Bournemouth game and hasn't trained since. Farke said "there's no ligament damage" so he expects him to return to group training on Friday.
Farke said "we won't do anything too special for this game" in terms of preparation or "overload the players with special plans they have never executed" because they need to keep it as "normal" as possible.
On carrying momentum in the game: "Everyone is in a good mood because we have nothing to lose and it's just another chance to write a bit more into this chapter of history. We can travel in a good mood with confidence. We travel with respect but not fearful."
He said "in one game there's always a chance" to cause an upset, even as "underdogs".
On opponents Chelsea: "We face a big name and play a side packed with top class players and unbelievable potential. We will stick to our DNA. We have to be brave, play on the front foot and threaten the opponents."
He highlighted the benefits of Leeds having "unity and confidence" while Chelsea enter the fixture having sacked their second permanent manger of the season on Wednesday.
On how his players might deal with the occasion: "I'm not concerned about the nerves because I trust my lads and my group. We have delivered in the past when there's been pressure. It's a big goal [to reach the final] and something we would like to do. If you are just one game away from the final then you want to reach that final."