Sport nationDaniel Farke Highlights Leeds’ Midfield Gap in Absence of Ilia Gruev
Leeds United’s manager Daniel Farke has acknowledged the significant impact of Ilia Gruev’s absence due to injury, especially after a challenging 3-1 win against Hull City at Elland Road. Despite taking an early lead through Sam Byram, Leeds struggled to maintain control, with Hull City dominating possession and eventually equalizing with a goal from Fabio Carvalho.
The match remained tense until the closing minutes when Crysencio Summerville converted a penalty he earned, followed by a long-range goal from Dan James in stoppage time, sealing the victory for Leeds.
Farke pointed out that Leeds’ midfield, featuring a new pairing of Glen Kamara and Archie Gray, lacked the usual rhythm without Gruev, who is known for his ability to dictate the pace and maintain quality in possession. Gray, while showing great enthusiasm, is still adapting to the team’s playing style and positional demands.
In his post-match press conference, Farke expressed how much Leeds is missing Gruev, stating, “We are thin in midfield. Ampadu is important in central defense. Ilia dictates our rhythm and is good on the ball. We lacked quality in possession… In dictating the rhythm or speeding it up, at his age, he cannot be perfect. Missing Ilia a lot. Played without Connor and Willy.”
With hopes that Gruev’s ankle swelling would subside, there was initial optimism for his return against Hull City. However, he was ultimately unable to play. Looking ahead, Leeds is eager for Gruev’s recovery, as they face Coventry on Saturday. The team is in dire need of the £5 million summer signing’s return to midfield, where his defensive capabilities and ball-winning skills are sorely missed. With Ethan Ampadu required to fill in defensively due to Pascal Struijk’s absence, Leeds’ central options are currently stretched thin.
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Amina Umar