Leeds appeared to be certain of securing a berth in the automatic promotion slots, having led the Championship heading into the March international break.

Unfortunately, Leeds now effectively gets a second chance in the play-offs after a miserable run of four losses in their last six games saw both Leicester City and Ipswich Town win the race.

Martin O’Neill feels that Daniel Farke has a tremendous task ahead of him in getting his team ready to play again, and the team’s dismal performance has also made fans gloomy.

Farke says Leeds squad did something he loves this week

After losing all five of their prior tries, this Leeds team will be trying to become the first in the club’s history to gain promotion via this path.

Leeds’ team decided to take matters into their own hands this week by planning a full team supper, because the record books and form were counting against them.

At least for one night, the players were pictured together at a restaurant, where they were able to escape the pressures of the play-off scenario.

In response to a question about this at his pre-game press conference earlier today, Farke said he truly enjoys to see the group’s “united and tightness.”

He said: “I love this and always encourage this. I have a feeling we have a really great spirit. This group is united and so tight together. For me it’s second to none, I think it’s outstanding and why this young team has played such a season with 90 points.

“We’re not the end product but the spirit was always good. In terms of togetherness and unity, you can be united when the sun’s shining, with a club record of unbeaten games, sadly we lost our last two games, they are still so together in these moments.

“These are the basic ingredients to be successful and be allowed to celebrate. Not a guarantee that we will celebrate but without the spirit you won’t. Hopefully the spirit carries us through the next days and weeks.”