Leeds United's ghosts of the past could haunt Daniel Farke if own warning is ignored

After the respectful celebrations at a Carrow Road stadium that for so long Daniel Farke called home, the Leeds United manager headed to the Norwich City media room to complete his post-match obligations with his customary sit down with the written press. Taking his seat that October day it was clear the emotion of the preceding 90 minutes had taken somewhat of a toll on the German.

"I'm exhausted and ready for the sofa," was Farke's opening gambit after witnessing a stirring Whites comeback earlier this season led by Crysencio Summerville. Two goals down with less than half an hour to play, Leeds claimed all three points after a tactical switch to a 3-5-2 system and a step up in intensity in a second-half that looked like providing the fuel for a long unbeaten run. Four days later a defeat at Stoke City ended that hope.

But back to Carrow Road, the scene of this Sunday's Championship play-off semi-final first-leg game. Returning to his old stomping ground had been emotional for Farke seven months ago, who had diluted his celebrations somewhat out of respect to a club he had twice led to the Premier League.

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"It was my gut feeling to behave like this. I did not know how I would feel. Before the game I focused only on how we get the lads ready," explained the Leeds boss in the immediate aftermath of October's 3-2 away win for Leeds. "After the final whistle it was emotional for me. I never had the chance to say goodbye.

"I have lots of appreciation from the home fans. This club will always have a special place in my heart. I'm always grateful to be allowed to achieve what we have achieved and play a small part in those memories. I wanted to dance with my lads with three massive points, but wanted to show some respect in Carrow Road, my home for a long time."

The emotion of a Carrow Road return will not hit the same for Farke this weekend having got that out his system, with all focus on taking an advantage into next week's return leg at Elland Road. Frustrated to have missed out on automatic promotion, Leeds need to rediscover their form after a poor end to the league campaign, but there are positive lessons to be learned from two meetings with Norwich already this season.

"An advert for the Championship between two really good sides," was how Farke described the last meeting at Norwich between the clubs.

"Norwich are a good side with set-piece danger. They're good on the counter. Normally at half-time you are disappointed when you are 2-0 down, but we said we had to keep going and hold our nerve. We had to be more clinical. The only thing I can criticise is the defending could have been quicker or sharper. Their second goal he is able to beat five of our players before scoring."

Farke's words from October last year will need to be heeded this Sunday. Leeds must be sharper in and out of possession and make sure they are more clinical in front of goal. In a two-legged affair nothing is won or lost from the first leg, but with confidence fragile and the team out of sorts of late, the Whites don't want to give themselves a significant hurdle to overcome if mistakes of the past are repeated.