Daniel Farke blasts Ilia Gruev despite huge Leeds United win v Stoke
Daniel Farke wasn’t too happy with Ilia Gruev as Leeds United beat Stoke City 6-0 in the Championship on Monday.
Elland Road hosted Mark Robins’ team on 21 April, with the hosts thumping the visitors with five goals in the opening 45 minutes.
Joel Piroe’s four-goal haul for Farke’s team was magnificent, with Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto also getting on the scoresheet.
Despite an emphatic victory against the Potters at home, the German manager seemed to expect more from Gruev during the game.
Gruev positioning annoys Farke in Leeds United win v Stoke
Farke was annoyed by Gruev’s position during the Whites’ dominant victory over Stoke, Graham Smyth says.
The YEP journalist revealed that the German manager was irritated with the 24-year-old midfielder despite the West Yorkshire outfit winning 4-0 at that point.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 21 | 0 | 1 |
Smyth shared that Gruev appeared to shrug at the 48-year-old head coach’s anger, as the hosts were already cruising against the Potters.
The journalist wrote on X (21 April): “Farke annoyed by Gruev’s positioning, there. Gruev sort of shrugs and tilts his head as if to say we’re 4-0 up inside the first half, boss, can you not let me have a minute’s peace for once in your life?”
32 – Farke annoyed by Gruev's positioning, there. Gruev sort of shrugs and tilts his head as if to say we're 4-0 up inside the first half boss can you not let me have a minute's peace for once in your life
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) April 21, 2025
4-0#lufc
Elland Road delighted with Farke attitude during Stoke win
Farke’s been under pressure at Elland Road this season, with fans expecting the Whites to win automatic promotion to the Premier League.
The German manager has had to deal with several fitness issues at the West Yorkshire outfit this season, but hasn’t made any excuses about it.
After beating Stoke, the Peacocks are within touching distance of playing in the Premier League once again after a two-year exile.
Leeds fans will expect 49ers Enterprises to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window as they look set to compete in the English top-flight once again.
The Whites have arguably been the best team in the Championship this season, but that doesn’t guarantee safety in the Premier League.
All three promoted sides from last season are on course to return to the second division, highlighting the gruelling nature of the top flight.
Farke didn’t let standards slip against Robin’s team despite cruising past them in the first half, and that was evident as the hosts scored a sixth after the break.
For now, there’ll be a party atmosphere in LS11.