Ilia Gruev has played over 1,500 minutes from 23 games in all competitions for Leeds United this season.
The Bulgaria international picked up an ankle injury in October, forcing him to spend over 100 days on the sidelines. Daniel Farke utilised him regularly since he regained full fitness in January.
Gruev has been part of Leeds’ squad that secured promotion to the Premier League at the start of this week. Marca got in touch with the midfielder to discuss several topics.
The Whites signed the midfielder from Werder Bremen in August 2023 and gave him a contract until 2027. Two days ago, the Bundesliga club’s managing director, Clemens Fritz, confirmed they will receive a £1m bonus due to Leeds’ promotion.
Gruev initially joined Werder Bremen’s academy in 2015 and represented their first team between 2021 and 2023. The 24-year-old’s desire to seek a new experience convinced him to leave the German club for Leeds.
“I wanted to try something new, and it was perfect timing. Playing in England, for Leeds, and getting promoted to the Premier League. The plan has worked out brilliantly,” he said.
Daniel Farke’s side lost the Championship play-off final to Southampton last season. This time around, they have secured direct promotion along with Burnley.
On Leeds’ return to the top flight, Gruev explained: “Promotion has been the happiest moment since I’ve been here.
“Losing the final at Wembley last season was very hard, but we learned our lesson and the team stayed together. Key players left for good money, but we were confident we could build a good group, and that’s what we did.”
Ipswich Town are likely to join Southampton and Leicester City in the Championship, a year after getting promoted. Last season, Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town were relegated, again a year after securing promotion.
Taking these examples into account, Marca state the ‘big challenge’ for the Whites next season is to stay in the Premier League.
On this topic, the Bulgarian added: “The Championship is a fantastic league, but there’s a big difference with the Premier League… and it shows. We know it won’t be easy because there are many established teams. The club will make an effort to sign new players, and I think we have the quality in the squad to compete with the best and stay in the Premier League.”
