It has been a tough few weeks for Leeds United and Daniel Farke after a poor run of results, but for those warming the bench like Ilia Gruev, the last few games will have been infuriating.
Daniel Farke is known for his tactical rigidity and his unwillingness to change personnel until it is really required. Farke will not make changes to his team unless absolutely necessary, often if there is an injury.
But for those who were regulars in the Leeds side while in the Championship, who are now being forced to watch from the bench as Farke’s Leeds struggle, it must be tough. Gruev is an example of that.
One of 16 Leeds players on international duty during the November break, Gruev is expected to at least get some minutes under his belt, albeit in difficult World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey.
Ilia Gruev in action during Leeds United v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Dimitar Berbatov has advice for Leeds United’s Ilia Gruev
Since the end of September, Gruev has made one Premier League appearance. Just two starts against Arsenal and Newcastle at the start of the season, Gruev has only been afforded five league appearances.
Yet, the left-footed midfielder remains the only player in Bulgaria’s squad currently plying their trade in Europe’s top-five leagues. Speaking to Nova as per TopSport, Dimitar Berbatov had advice for Gruev.
“It’s not easy in the Premier League, but he already feels the rhythm and speed, which are very different from other championships. He will also face defeats, as he already does. He must be patient,” he said.
Ilia Gruev ahead of Leeds' defeat to Burnley.
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“Work on his qualities and be ready for the moments when he gets a chance. Not to give up in the face of difficulties that arise. If he is open to learning, he will develop and bring experience to the national team.
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“The most important thing is that when he looks back – after the end of the season or his career – he is satisfied. I wish him success,” Berbatov continued, when discussing Gruev’s lack of game time at Leeds.
Ilia Gruev in action for Leeds.
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Ilia Gruev central in ‘serious scandal’ with Bulgaria National Team
At the beginning of the World Cup campaign, reports emerged that Gruev had reacted badly in the dressing room after a defeat to Spain. Gruev, in front of his teammates, called out manager Ilian Iliev.
Bulgarian media described it as a ‘serious scandal’. Iliev dropped him for the next game against Georgia, only for Bulgaria FA’s president to go above Iliev and reinstate Gruev. He would come on at half-time.
Gruev’s last eight games for Bulgaria:
Date Competition Opponent Result
8 September, 2024 Nations League Northern Ireland 1-0 Win
20 March, 2025 Nations League Ireland 2-1 Loss
23 March, 2025 Nations League Ireland 2-1 Loss
6 June, 2025 Friendly Cyprus 2-2 Draw
10 June, 2025 Friendly Greece 4-0 Loss
4 September, 2025 World Cup qualifying Spain 3-0 Loss
7 September, 2025 World Cup qualifying Georgia 3-0 Loss
14 October, 2025 World Cup qualifying Spain 4-0 Loss
Since then, Iliev has been sacked. Gruev remains, but Bulgaria’s issues have not gone away. It is now 14 months since Gruev last won with his country. With Turkey and Georgia next, it is likely to continue.
It adds to what has been a frustrating start to the 2025-26 season for Gruev. The Christmas period will require rotation and the chance to play for Leeds, but realistically, Gruev could have an eye on January.