What a couple of weeks it has been for Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev. The Bulgaria star has been front and centre amid reports of a rift that occurred after defeat to Spain.
The story begins with Bulgaria suffering a heavy, yet foreseeable 3-0 defeat to Spain. Bulgaria were then in action against Georgia on Sunday, but out of nowhere, Gruev was benched for the first 45 minutes.
Bulgaria boss Ilian Iliev said he benched Gruev as he was playing with an injury. Reports of a dressing room bust-up with Gruev then emerged, in which Gruev confronted his manager and teammates.
According to the Bulgarian Telegraph, Gruev was ‘furious’ during the incident. He questioned Iliev’s tactics and reminded the manager and his teammates that he is their best player, playing at the highest level.
Iliev wanted to remove Gruev from the squad entirely. But the president of the Bulgarian FA caught wind of the situation and reinstated Gruev. Iliev has since played down reports that there is an issue with Gruev.
Ilia Gruev sings Bulgaria's national anthem ahead of a Nations League clash against Northern Ireland.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Now, a new chapter to the story as Ilian Iliev leaves Bulgaria role
It seems to be that Gruev has got his way, if reports of a rift are true. Bulgaria have confirmed that they have removed Iliev from his position as Bulgaria manager, but there are other potential reasons for this.
Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev.
Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images
Bulgaria’s form has been woeful; their last win came in November 2024. Gruev has gone a year without a win for Bulgaria. Iliev’s insistence on remaining in charge of Bulgarian side, Cherno More, has not helped.
Whatever has happened over the last week, and if indeed there has been a behind-closed-doors bust-up involving Gruev, Iliev has now been removed as manager and Bulgaria will be looking for a replacement.
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Bulgaria have parted ways with head coach Ilian Iliev following last week’s 3-0 defeats against Spain and Georgia in the World Cup qualifiers
His successor is yet to be announced
Next month’s games: Turkey (h) & Spain (a) pic.twitter.com/VSpRDdeew1
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Bulgaria’s World Cup qualification hopes are in tatters
Ultimately, the frustration has been caused by what is happening on the pitch. The Bulgarian players will have been dreaming of World Cup qualification, albeit unlikely in a group with Spain, Georgia and Turkey.
Defeat to Spain was expected. But a 3-0 hammering by Georgia was not good enough. Bulgaria needed to win that game to stand any chance of a place at next summer’s tournament. Now, it is as good as over.
Position Games played Wins Draws Losses GD Points
1. Spain 2 2 0 0 +9 6
2. Georgia 2 1 0 1 +2 3
3. Turkey 2 1 0 1 -5 3
4. Bulgaria 2 0 0 2 -6 0
It is only two games into a six-game campaign, but with 0 points and matches against Turkey and Spain in October, it feels incredibly unlikely that Gruev and Bulgaria will be at the World Cup next summer.