Ethan Ampadu gives blunt response live on TNT Sports – “not our levels” – The Leeds Press

Leeds United were pushed all the way by Championship opponents Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round and ultimately had to rely on penalties to secure their passage.

Sean Longstaff struck the decisive spot-kick in the shootout, confirming Leeds’ place in the next round after a hard-fought contest.

Lucas Perri, who has faced criticism of late, answered his doubters with a string of vital saves both during the match and in the shootout, ensuring there was no upset at St Andrew’s.

Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu conceded that his team were not good enough on the day, despite ensuring that they are in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Ethan Ampadu reacts to Leeds United’s FA Cup win

The Leeds captain admitted that during the break, it was clear to everyone that Leeds were not playing at their level, and they were not even meeting the minimum expectations.

He also conceded that Birmingham were the better team, and his team progressed because they dug their teeth until the end to get the result.

Ampadu said on TNT Sports: “It wasn’t just me, it was all the team that came together at half-time. The manager and all of us were very clear that it was not our level in the first half.

“It was not the levels that you expect to perform at when you pull on the Leeds United shirt. There is a minimum level of expectation, and we did not reach that in the first half.

“Birmingham were the better team in the first half, they were probably the better team judging the overall game, but we stuck in there and got the result we wanted.”

Ampadu is not focused on a deep cup run and stressed that Leeds will take each game as it comes, whether that be in the league or the FA Cup.

“Look, we don’t have a certain focus; we just focus on what the next game is. This week it was the FA Cup, so we had our FA Cup hats on, and next week we are back to the Premier League, and then focus on that.

“We are very happy to get through, but we focus on what is next. It would be great to have a run in this competition, of course. I wouldn’t mind another parade.”