Ilia Gruev may have been measured in his words, but his verdict on Daniel Farke speaks volumes about what is really happening at Leeds United.
The Bulgarian pointed to trust, preparation and tactical flexibility when discussing the head coach – and those are not throwaway talking points. They are the hallmarks of a dressing room that believes in Farke.
At a time earlier in the season when there was growing noise around Farke’s position, Leeds chose to stand firm. Now, players like Gruev are making it increasingly clear why.
Ilia Gruev’s comments highlight Daniel Farke’s impact at Leeds
Gruev did not hold back when discussing Farke’s work, pointing to the manager’s ability to balance control with adaptability. Leeds “always want to have the ball and be dominant,” he explained.
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But crucially, they can also “drop deeper” when needed — something he believes defines a “very good coach”. That is not surface-level praise.
It reflects a team that now understands exactly what it is trying to do — and how to do it — after a period earlier in the campaign where that clarity was questioned.
Leeds stuck with Farke, and the structure now in place suggests that decision is paying off.
Ilia Gruev outlines exactly how Daniel Farke is shaping Leeds
Gruev expanded on Farke’s influence in full when reflecting on his relationship with the Leeds boss and the direction of the club, with the Bulgarian giving an interview to TransferMarkt this week.
“We have a very good relationship. Daniel trusts me completely, just as we trust him. He’s had three very successful years here and is truly a very good coach. You can see that in how he prepares us for matches.
“We always want to have the ball and be dominant, but we’re also flexible and can drop deeper. That’s what makes a good coach. The club has developed tremendously in the three years under Daniel.
“So far it’s been an absolute success story.”
Those are not the words of a player simply backing his manager. They are the words of someone who has directly benefited from Farke’s approach — and now fully believes in it.
Gruev’s rise under Farke tells its own story
Gruev arrived from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2023 without huge expectation. He was seen as a technically sound midfielder, but not necessarily a guaranteed starter in a side chasing promotion.
That has changed. The 25-year-old has featured heavily, making 23 Premier League appearances and playing a key role as Leeds pushed forward. During the crucial run-in, he was trusted repeatedly.
He featured 26 times in 2025, clocking more than 1,500 minutes and contributing from deep with his composure and control. He also made 35 appearances in his first season, adapting quickly in England.
This is no longer a squad option. This is a player Farke trusts to execute his system – exactly as Gruev himself has admitted. He might not start every game, but he is a key cog in the Farke system.
Leeds decision on Daniel Farke now looks justified
There was undeniable pressure around Farke earlier in the season as results dipped and expectations remained high. But Leeds held their nerve.
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Now, with a clear identity in place and players like Gruev thriving within it, that decision looks increasingly justified. Because Gruev’s development is not happening in isolation.
It is part of a wider trend under Farke – one where players are improving, roles are clearer, and belief is growing. Gruev has gone from a fringe player in the Championship, to starting Premier League games.
What the future holds for Ilia Gruev at Leeds
Gruev is under contract at Elland Road until 2027, leaving Leeds in a strong position regarding his long-term future. Based on his trajectory, his importance is only increasing.
Having established himself as a key midfield figure and earned recognition as Bulgaria’s Player of the Year, the next step is clear. Gruev has already spoken about helping Leeds continue to grow.
In the same interview, he said: “The long-term plan is to become a top-10 Premier League team. If you can be part of that journey as a player and compete with the elite every week, that’s an absolute success.”
If Farke’s project continues on its current path, he looks set to be a central part of it. Leeds backed Daniel Farke when it mattered. Now, with players like Ilia Gruev thriving under his guidance, that decision is being justified in the most convincing way possible.
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