Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup on February 8, 2025, has sparked significant discussion regarding Daniel Farke’s team selection and the club’s priorities for the season. With Leeds sitting atop the Championship table and focused on securing promotion to the Premier League, the FA Cup exit, while disappointing, was not entirely unexpected given Farke’s approach to squad rotation.
Farke’s Team Selection and the Absence of Key Players
Farke made ten changes to the starting XI that had beaten Coventry City 2-0 just days earlier on February 5. Most notably, two of Leeds’ key players, Daniel James and Joe Rodon, were completely left out of the matchday squad. The decision raised eyebrows, especially as Leeds struggled in the attacking third, failing to break down Millwall’s defense.
Former Leeds player Aidy White defended Farke’s decision, calling it a “no-brainer” on BBC Radio West Yorkshire’s Football Forum on February 8. He pointed out that both James and Rodon have been crucial to Leeds’ success this season, and risking them in a cup game would have been unwise given their importance in the league campaign.
“Dan James has been phenomenal. I know he missed quite a lot of chances the other night, but across the season, he’s definitely been one of our star players. So why risk them today? The league is much more important than the cup, and the decisions behind the team selection show that.”
White also mentioned that Rodon had been playing through a hand injury recently, which may have influenced Farke’s decision to rest him.
Despite the loss, White expects both James and Rodon to be available for Leeds’ crucial league clash against Watford on February 11.
Leeds’ FA Cup Exit and Its Implications
Leeds struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Millwall side. Femi Azeez was the star for the visitors, scoring a brace, with a goal in each half to seal the 2-0 win.
Leeds’ rotated squad featured players who have not been regular starters, including Josuha Guilavogui, who had a disappointing performance. This match was an opportunity for fringe players to prove themselves, but most failed to impress.
Farke’s decision to deprioritize the FA Cup is understandable given the club’s ultimate goal: securing promotion to the Premier League. Leeds currently lead the Championship table with 66 points after 31 games, putting them in a strong position to return to the top flight.
Farke’s Focus on Promotion Over the FA Cup
While the FA Cup is a prestigious tournament, Leeds were unlikely to go all the way to Wembley, especially with their squad depth being tested in a physically demanding season. Promotion to the Premier League is the primary objective, and Farke will be judged on whether he guides Leeds back to the top tier rather than their performance in domestic cup competitions.
“Let’s be honest, winning the FA Cup was never a realistic goal for Leeds this season,” a club insider told MOT Leeds News. “Farke has to make sure the team stays fresh and focused on the bigger picture—getting back to the Premier League.”
By resting key players, Farke also gave game time to those who don’t regularly feature. However, the lack of chemistry among the rotated squad was evident, and Leeds never looked like a cohesive unit against Millwall.
Off-Field Controversy: Millwall Fans’ Offensive Chants
The game was overshadowed by an unsavory incident involving Millwall supporters, who were heard making offensive chants referencing past tragedies involving Leeds United fans.
Leeds United have strongly condemned the chants and vowed to work with authorities to identify those responsible.
“We are aware of deeply inappropriate chanting from a section of Millwall supporters during our FA Cup fixture. Such behavior has no place in football or society, and we will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure those involved are held accountable,” a Leeds spokesperson said in a club statement.
The incident has sparked discussions on fan behavior in football, with many calling for stronger punishments for clubs whose supporters engage in offensive chanting.
Looking Ahead: Leeds Face Watford Next
Leeds will now turn their attention to their next match against Watford on February 11. With promotion to the Premier League in sight, the team must bounce back quickly from their FA Cup disappointment and refocus on their Championship campaign.
The hope among Leeds supporters is that Daniel James and Joe Rodon will return to the squad, ensuring that the team is at full strength for a crucial fixture. Farke will also be looking for a response from his players, particularly those who underperformed against Millwall.
If Leeds can continue their strong league form, the FA Cup defeat will quickly be forgotten. However, a poor result against Watford could see questions arise about squad depth and whether Leeds have the resources to maintain their position at the top of the table.
For now, the priority is clear: promotion to the Premier League remains Leeds United’s ultimate goal, and everything else comes second.