Daniel Farke made one change to his Leeds United side on Wednesday from the win against Coventry City and it might not have come as a surprise to many, with Ilia Gruev starting.
The Leeds United manager did similar when Leeds went away to Burnley, playing the more defensive-minded Ilia Gruev in midfield over Joe Rothwell in order to provide Leeds with a bit more control.
Given Coventry’s physicality and their run of five wins on the spin including the penalty-shootout win over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, Farke opted for control rather than attacking flair in central midfield.
It is quickly becoming apparent that Farke prefers to use playmaker Rothwell at home when Leeds boast more control, and the tougher Gruev away. But on Wednesday night, Gruev angered Farke in the first 45.
Ilia Gruev pass was met with an angry Daniel Farke reaction
It was only the £4m signing’s second start for Leeds since his return from a long-term knee injury that he picked up in early October. The former Werder Bremen ace has helped Leeds secure two clean sheets.
A no-score at Burnley, and then nothing against Coventry. Leeds have looked more secure away from home since the return of Gruev and Ampadu from injury – but Farke has high standards, and was angry.
The YEP report: “Farke reacting angrily to a slightly loose pass from Gruev that asked Ampadu to get into a physical duel. The manager spent the next minute instructing Gruev on where the ball should’ve gone.”
What Bryn Law said about the incident during LUTV commentary
Ampadu was somewhat barged into by experienced left-back Jake Bidwell, with the former QPR player’s shoulder bedding itself into Ampadu’s ribs. Bryn Law gave his take on the incident during commentary.
“Gruev, he’s given Ethan Ampadu a bit of work to do here. Simms has gone in to close him down and somehow, Leeds end up with a throw-in and in the midst of that, Ampadu is down on his haunches.
“There were a few words in the direction of Ilia Gruev from Daniel Farke in the aftermath, he didn’t like the pass that Ampadu wanted that forced Ampadu to receive a blow,” Law said, during LUTV’s coverage.
The chances are, that Rothwell comes back into the side on Saturday for Gruev when Leeds face Millwall at Elland Road in the FA Cup, because next week Leeds take on Watford away from home on Tuesday.
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