While Leeds United are currently experiencing the red-hot heat that comes with the pressure of an automatic promotion race, the squad still look high on life and full of morale.
It is something that has come hand-in-hand since Daniel Farke arrived at Elland Road. The German has managed to instill not only confidence, but a family-like feel at Leeds United in his role as manager.
That is evident when the substitutes, even if they may feel they have a right to be starting games, are seen celebrating when goals go in and congratulating the players on the pitch. Wilfried Gnonto is an example.
Ilia Gruev has had to wait for his chance on a regular basis since his injury, being used rotationally with Joe Rothwell often used in home games and Gruev away from home. He’s discussed his bond with Farke.
Ilia Gruev speaks highly of his relationship with Daniel Farke
The £4m midfielder would be forgiven for saying he is frustrated at Elland Road, or even annoyed with the Leeds manager for not picking him more consistently. Especially, as he was first choice before his injury.
But in an interview with German outlet SPORT last week, Gruev said he has a good relationship with the Leeds manager and that the success and feel-good factor he is enjoying is down the Leeds manager.
“I have a very good relationship with the coach. Daniel Farke is someone who wants to help a player. He knows exactly when to talk to a player; that’s one of his qualities,” Gruev said when asked about Farke.
“He doesn’t overdo it with personal conversations. He’s demanding and very ambitious. Things are going very well for me. Thanks to the coach, I simply enjoy a different status than I did in Bremen,” he added.
Gruev is one of two Leeds United players on their way back
Gruev has already played twice during the international break for Bulgaria, with the second game against Ireland taking place on Sunday night. A second successive 2-1 defeat in the Nations League play-offs.
In both games, Bulgaria took the lead only for Ireland to come back and win. Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah scored second-half goals against Gruev’s side, after Gruev was named Bulgaria’s second-best player.
He is the second player to return to Thorp Arch already, with Wilfried Gnonto’s break ending early due to an injury which was confirmed by Italy on Sunday. He won’t play for Italy’s U21’s on Monday night.
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