Leeds United star in disagreement with Daniel Farke ahead of FA Cup semi-final
Brazilian ace Lucas Perri wants to take down Chelsea – and some old friends – in this weekend’s FA Cup semi final showdown as Leeds United bid to reach a Wembley final
Daniel Farke is looking to take Leeds to their first FA Cup final since 1972
Lucas Perri reckons he will feel right at home when Leeds take on Chelsea in this weekend’s FA Cup semi final – because Wembley will remind him of the Maracana.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been one of his side’s heroes in the competition this season. Perri’s penalty saves in the dramatic shoot out at West Ham helped keep Leeds’ FA Cup dreams alive. And Perri is now relishing the chance to walk out in a stadium which he reckons will compare to the iconic one in Rio he has played at.
Perri grew up back in Brazil watching English football on television – and paid particular attention to the oldest club competition in the world.
He said: “I’m happy to help the team with the opportunities that I’ve got, and we’re looking forward to the semi-final of course. It will be like playing at the Maracana, so yeah, it’s going to be an incredible experience.
“I remember watching the FA Cup, the Premier League and the whole of English football. I know the importance of the competition.”
Leeds boss Daniel Farke claims it will be unrealistic for his side to go on and win the FA Cup, to earn a shock return to European competition.
But Perri begs to differ – and is daring to dream.
He said: “It will be incredible for the club and we’re looking for it. We’re going to have a difficult match, but we can do it.
“Everything’s possible in football, so we have to believe. And this journey in the cup has been incredible.”
Perri could find himself up against some familiar faces when he takes on Chelsea. Fellow Brazilian Joao Pedro could be in the opposition team, although Estevao is injured.
Perri trained with the duo when he was called into the Brazil squad for the first time in September, ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
He added: “They’re incredible players. They’re very good, and I had the opportunity to train with them and the national team, so yes, it will be a fantastic game – and we’re going to have to be at our best.”
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