Why Daniel Farke's Leeds United Carabao Cup ambition isn't as far-fetched as it sounds

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke should not be ridiculed for his stance on the Carabao Cup.

Many teams dismiss the cup competitions and field weakened sides, not bothered about how far they go.

However, it seems like the Elland Road manager is going to give it a right go, judging from his latest comments.

The German has claimed that his side will attempt to win the competition, which initially may seem ridiculous.

However, it is not as far-fetched as it may sound.

MOT Leeds News examines why Farke can afford to be so bold about his side's chances.

Why is Daniel Farke's Carabao Cup confidence not misplaced?

Speaking ahead of the clash with Chelsea on Wednesday, the Whites boss was asked about his view on the competition.

He said: “We’ll try to win it.

“It’s the quickest way to Europe and to some glory.”

He can have confidence as his side reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season before a 1-0 loss to their next opposition in the Carabao Cup.

They have also upgraded their squad, especially with James Trafford offering a much better option between the sticks.

Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic offer more strength at the back, while Harry Wilson is a difference-maker in attack, even if he has not shown it yet.

Jean-Matteo Bahoya is a bit of an unknown quantity, but his rapid pace should cause problems for rival teams.

There is no reason for the LS11 side to fear anyone, so Farke's view is not out of place.

There's another reason for Leeds to be bold

The Carabao Cup has been won by one of the traditional top six in 12 of the last 13 editions.

Newcastle United broke that pattern in 2025, but Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have primarily had a chokehold on the tournament.

Leeds' record against those sides is not half-bad. Against the latter, they won 3-1 and drew 2-2 in the Premier League last season, before the FA Cup loss.

The Red Devils were no match for Farke's side, with a 1-1 draw at home, and a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

The Citizens edged the Whites in both meetings last season in the league - a 3-2 win in November, before a 1-0 victory in February - but they were very close matches.

As for the Reds, the Peacocks secured a 3-3 draw on home soil and a 0-0 draw on the road last time out.

The Thorp Arch side will take confidence into any games against those teams in the competition, given that on their day, they can get a result.