Daniel Farke and Ilia Gruev Disagree on Attacking Concerns

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke and midfielder Ilia Gruev appear to have different views on the club’s attacking struggles, with both sharing contrasting opinions after the recent run of Premier League matches.

Leeds United’s Scoring Struggles

The Whites have managed just one league goal this season and none from open play, sparking concern among fans about the lack of cutting edge in the final third. While supporters are demanding more clinical finishing, the players and staff have varying perspectives on what’s going wrong.

Ilia Gruev’s View

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the defeat to Newcastle United in early September, Gruev admitted the side should be scoring more goals but pointed to fine margins in attacking play:

“Of course we want to score more goals. I think against Everton we could score more, today we could score more.

“I think maybe it was the second-to-last pass which was a little bit missing. And to be more mature in these things. But this will come. There’s no doubt about it.

“This will come if we win the ball like today, so high, the way to their goal is really short. And this will come. We will work on it. We will train hard to get better in these terms and it will come. I have no doubt.”

Gruev’s comments suggest he believes Leeds are close to finding their attacking rhythm, with small improvements in build-up play making the difference.

Daniel Farke’s Response

Asked about Gruev’s assessment ahead of Leeds’ clash with Wolves, Farke offered a different perspective in his pre-match press conference.

Reporter Smyth posed the question:
“After the Newcastle game, Gruev thought the second-to-last pass was a bit of an issue for the side. That was his feeling, did you share that thought and did you think they were better at that against Fulham?”

Farke responded:

“Sometimes, a defensive midfield player, when he analyses what was missing in the forward play, it’s also straight after a game, it’s just a phrase.

“I’m not sure if I would 100% agree to this analysing. In general, we have created more chances in comparison to Everton and Newcastle.

“We bring ourselves into good positions, sometimes there is a second-last pass missing, or a final pass, or a clinical finish.”