Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says Ipswich game not pivotal for promotion hopes
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Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto (centre) was among the scorers when the Whites won 4-3 at Ipswich in August
Leeds boss Daniel Farke says he does not believe Saturday's home match against second-placed Ipswich will be pivotal to their promotion hopes.
The Whites are one place but 10 points behind the Blues.
"After this game there is the complete second half of the season to play," Farke said.
"If we win the game it's not like the gap is closed that much, if we draw then nothing changes and if we lose it isn't like our season is over."
He added: "The players are looking forward to it but it's just a game for three points. We could ask the EFL if we win this game that they give us nine points, but I'm quite sure that won't be allowed.
"It's not a decisive game, it's just an important game. In the home games we have been quite successful so far and we are highly motivated to keep that going."
Farke, who claimed his first win as United boss with an enthralling 4-3 success at Portman Road in August, has not lost in five matches against Ipswich with Leeds or former side Norwich.
The 47-year-old said he was "not surprised" at how well Kieran McKenna's side have done this season, after winning promotion from League One in 2022-23.
"I knew they had a fantastic season last season and they have top-class players and a coach who is doing a really fantastic job," he said.
"They have a unique style of playing and when you are new to a league it can be difficult for opponents to adapt to it, but when they are used to it the form can go down. Credit to Kieran, his staff and players because they have done a fantastic job so far and fully deserve to be in that position."
Farke 'falling in love' with Leeds
Farke's Leeds are the only Championship side who are unbeaten at home this season, with seven wins and four draws so far
Farke, who twice won the Championship title with Norwich, took over at Elland Road in June after their relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds have taken just one point from their past two games, after losing at Sunderland and drawing at home to Coventry.
The German said that he is "starting to love the club" more as his side look to return to winning ways.
"I feel more connected with my players and love them even more than in the spurts when we were winning every week," he said.
"It really feels already that I am starting to love this club and the supporters, and what we are.
"Our name says what we are about. We are Leeds United. We are Leeds and this means not being perfect, or without mistakes, but we play with a big heart and honesty. United means that everyone likes to moan sometimes but it shows that they care, and when it comes to sticking together we have the mentality to do that."