Leeds United boss Daniel Farke lauds Ilia Gruev as 'mix of Stoichkov and Matthaus' after win v Nottingham Forest
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke likened Ilia Gruev to two footballing legends after the midfielder’s starring role against Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old delivered a commanding display in the heart of the Leeds midfield, helping the Whites secure a 3-1 victory under the Elland Road lights.
He provided the defensive grit he so often does, but also managed to repeatedly unravel Forest with his range of passing.
Daniel Farke lauds Ilia Gruev
Post-match, Farke compared Gruev to Bulgaria legend Hristo Stoichkov and Germany icon Lothar Matthäus.
He said: “Today, he was a mix of [his] Bulgarian roots, Stoichkov, and Lothar Matthäus, with my German roots. He was, defensive-wise, everywhere. He played the key passes offensive-wise with an ingenious left foot. Two assists, many many key passes, I think he was outstanding.”
Ilia Gruev decision explained
There may well have been some raised eyebrows when Gruev was named in the starting XI given his status as a generally pragmatic player.
Explaining the Bulgaria international’s inclusion, Farke said: “We brought, with Noah Okafor, a more offensive-thinking player than Anton Stach, into the side, a player who has more strength in going forward and taking players on.
“The second reason, in the training week, he looked unbelievably sharp. Also, I would say all his performances, because he’s so reliable. With him, you always get a six or seven out of 10. Today, it was pretty close to a 10 out of 10.
“Also, with the tactical terms we wanted to use, especially the left half space with the left foot, to explore a bit more the weaknesses we have perhaps seen, how to open Nottingham Forest. Ilia, with his left foot, was a good choice.
“We encouraged him to play more forward-thinking passes from this position. But especially also because he trained really well in the last week and for that, thank God, [it was] the right decision.”
Leeds United’s response to defeat
Leeds thoroughly deserved their win against a Forest side who buckled under the weight of pressure applied by the hosts.
Farke was pleased with the way in which his side responded to their 4-0 defeat to Arsenal last week.
He said: “I’m very proud today because this was a complicated game for us, first and foremost because we’ve lost the last game [against Arsenal]. I know it was still Arsenal, I have accepted this, but a loss always does something with the confidence, with the belief.
“It’s always difficult to respond after a loss. Secondly, it was of course a game where there was a bit more on the line. It feels just a bit more important than other games and then to deliver in this way with such a spirited performance - it was a well-deserved win.
“The best way [to respond] is to win the next game and get the confidence back. You can speak about it but in the back of your mind, it still does something if you lose a game. I’m pretty happy we were able to show this response right away.”