Crawley Town chief on reaction to seeing Leeds United team sheet before FA Cup triumph

CRAWLEY Town's technical director Erdem Konyar says he fancied his side's chances of beating Leeds United as soon as he saw the Whites team sheet before Sunday's FA Cup clash.
By Lee Sobot
Published 11th Jan 2021, 16:20 BST
Updated 11th Jan 2021, 16:22 BST
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Leeds were spent spinning out of the third round after a 3-0 loss at their League Two hosts who sit 62 places lower down the football pyramid.

Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa made seven changes to his team but still fielded a strong line up that included returning captain Liam Cooper, record signing Rodrigo and England international Kalvin Phillips.

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Pablo Hernandez and £15m winger Helder Costa also started but Konyar says the make up of United's starting XI still gave him increased confidence that his side could upset the Premier League Whites.

HEADING OUT: Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Kiko Casilla are unable to keep out Jordan Tunnicliffe's strike that put Crawley Town 3-0 up in Sunday's third round FA Cup tie. Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesHEADING OUT: Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Kiko Casilla are unable to keep out Jordan Tunnicliffe's strike that put Crawley Town 3-0 up in Sunday's third round FA Cup tie. Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
HEADING OUT: Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Kiko Casilla are unable to keep out Jordan Tunnicliffe's strike that put Crawley Town 3-0 up in Sunday's third round FA Cup tie. Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

"To be honest with you, when I saw Leeds’ line-up, I thought, ‘we have a chance here’, even though there were a lot of good players in their side" Konyar told the Crawley Observer.

"I know our lads were just chomping at the bit to go. I know our team. They are a hard-working, physical side who will give you everything.

"We are a hard-working team who have a bit of quality who can hurt teams.

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"The quickfire double was important. It was just a fantastic day regardless of the result.

"You have Kalvin Phillips, Rodrigo and Raphinha playing - those guys combined are worth £100million.

"But the important thing is that it was a fantastic day for the football club.

"I don’t want to hype it too much, but it’s probably the best result in the club’s history.

"For once I am lost for words."

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Related topics:Erdem KonyarCrawley TownMarcelo BielsaHelder CostaLiam CooperKalvin Phillips