Ilia Gruev spoke to the media following Leeds United’s pre-season success over Hannover 96 in Germany, discussing Ethan Ampadu’s new captaincy and his liberty to attack with the skipper.
Captain Ethan Ampadu well deserves his new place in the Leeds United dressing room, but Ilia Gruev wants to ensure that understudies Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier are not overlooked. Daniel Farke named the trio as his new leadership team this week, following the permanent departures of Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, and Stuart Dallas this summer.
Gruev, who played alongside Ampadu in Wednesday’s triumph against Hannover 96, believes the dressing room hierarchy is effective. However, there is balance and space for additional voices, such as Struijk’s and Meslier’s.
“He’s (Ampadu) very important to the team,” Gruev remarked. “You can see it on the pitch, but don’t forget about Pascal and Illan, who are equally vital. You can feel the entire group; we have a healthy hierarchy, which is essential.
“You’ll need this in a team. We have this, but not too much, which is also beneficial. Ethan deserves it, as do Illan and Pascal, who come in second and third place. They’re also quite essential to us.
Gruev scored from open play in Hannover, something he was unable to do at any other point last season. The Bulgarian scored one of the most impressive and vital goals of the year against Norwich City, but he was one of numerous midfielders who struggled to find the net from the engine room during the season.
On Wednesday, Gruev had more freedom to go forward from their double pivot because he was playing with Ampadu. He played a wonderful one-two with Brenden Aaronson before rounding the goalkeeper for the first goal in the seventh minute.
He is eager to bring diversity and unpredictability into competitive games.
“I played a little bit more offensive than last year in this game, together with Ethan,” stated the quarterback. “When we play together, I have a little more flexibility to move higher up and occasionally into the box.
“Today it worked out, and I scored. This is great because as an opponent, you don’t know what we’re doing, whether I’m sinking or moving higher. It’s more adaptable, which I appreciate.”
