Here are the most recent updates on Leeds United, with Daniel Farke evaluating his team during the international break.
Important Decisions Regarding Key Players:
Since Daniel Farke’s arrival in the summer, Leeds United has strengthened its squad depth. Injuries have become more manageable as the season progressed, creating intense competition for playing time. The days of having only two goalkeepers on a seven-man bench are long gone, as Farke’s reserve list has expanded, and previous starters are no longer guaranteed a spot in the squad.
Farke and Rob Price are determined to prevent complacency from creeping into their injury and squad planning for the next seven months. The manager aims to maintain sufficient options to handle suspensions and injuries as they occur. Nonetheless, some core players may already be concerned about their playing time in the current season.
The upcoming January transfer window provides an opportunity for players to come and go at Elland Road. Injuries and suspensions at that time will play a significant role, but at present, five or six players are considering moves when the transfer window opens.
Struggles for Gruev and Bulgaria:
Leeds United’s Ilia Gruev, alongside his Bulgarian teammates, is facing criticism due to a string of poor performances on the international stage. Despite his summer signing with the Whites, Gruev has only played three minutes at Elland Road, struggling to secure regular game time.
In a EURO 24 qualifier against Lithuania, Gruev started for Bulgaria, but his team suffered a 2-0 defeat. Pijus Sirvys scored both goals at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Bulgaria, leaving the home side at the bottom of their group.
Bulgaria’s qualification campaign has yielded only two points so far, and they appear unlikely to secure a spot in the Euros in Germany next summer. Following this disappointing performance, the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) harshly criticized the Bulgarian team, with Gruev being singled out for his lackluster display.