Patience paying off for Leeds United star after recent upturn in fortunes
One Leeds United star has opened up on the battle to find a place in Daniel Farke's starting eleven.
Leeds United star Ilia Gruev has experienced mixed fortunes during the first half of the Premier League season.
The Bulgarian international started two of the Whites first three league fixtures as they collected four points from home games with Newcastle United and Everton and an away day at title contenders Arsenal. However, what followed was a frustrating period for the midfielder as he struggled to earn regular game-time over the following three months.
Impressive displays in a narrow defeat at Manchester City and the dramatic home draw with Liverpool seemed to hint at brighter times ahead of Gruev has now started Leeds’ last four Premier League games as Daniel Farke’s men continue to push to preserve their Premier League status. The former Werder Bremen man also started the FA Cup third round win at Derby County and is starting to show why he can play an integral role throughout the final fourth months of the season.
The Whites star reflected on the season so far and admitted he didn’t discuss the uncertainty and the situation with Farke - because he knows what to expect from the Leeds boss and what is expected of him on the pitch.
He told Sky Deutschland: “To be honest, I don’t talk to Daniel that much. I know how he operates and what he expects from me. He also knows what he’s getting from me when he plays me. For me, it’s about having a feel for what’s important on the pitch, communicating a lot, and helping the team. It’s less about constantly discussing things, more about him knowing what he’s getting, and me knowing what I need to show. Of course, there are times when you have to wait or don’t get the playing time you’d like. But that’s part of the game, especially at this level.”
Capable
Gruev also assessed what lies ahead and revealed he has several goals he wishes to achieve over the coming years.
When asked if he has dreams or prefers to live in the present, he responded: “A mixture of both. It’s important to live in the moment and enjoy it. But I still have goals. I’m someone who wants more, and I know I’m capable of it. Hopefully, I’ll achieve those goals in the coming years,”
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