“Shameful, disgrace” – Big decision taken on Leeds United man amid international hammering

Amidst an international battering, a significant decision has been made regarding a Leeds United player. Ilia Gruev, a midfielder for Leeds United, was the focus of a significant decision during Saturday night’s international humiliation for Bulgaria.

ROUT: Ilia Gruev of Leeds United didn’t even get off the bench as new Bulgarian manager Aleksandar Dimitrov, above, saw his team lose 6-1 against Turkey.

ROUT: New Bulgaria boss Aleksandar Dimitrov, above, saw his side thrashed 6-1 by Turkey and Leeds United’s Ilia Gruev didn’t even get off the bench. |

Aleksandar Dimitrov, the new Bulgarian manager, initially chose to bench the seasoned Whites midfielder for his debut game in charge, despite Gruev being one of eight Leeds players abroad on senior international duty.

In a World Cup qualifying match between Bulgaria and Turkey, Dimitrov selected Kristiyan Stoyanov of Slavia Sofia and Andrian Kraev of Hapoel Tev Aviv as the center midfield axis, with Gruev sitting on the bench. With just 11 minutes remaining, Arda Guler of Real Madrid gave Turkey the lead, but Radoslav Kirilov of Levski Sofia gave Bulgaria the equalizer two minutes later.

Hosts 5-1 down after 65 minutes

The two teams went into the interval all square at one apiece but the second half became a nightmare for the hosts who suddenly found themselves 5-1 down with just 65 minutes on the clock.

By that point, former under-21 coach Dimitrov had started making changes, but Gruev stayed on the bench and didn’t contribute to the team’s eventual 6-1 loss. Kraev and Stoyanov, both midfielders, participated in the entire match. Bulgarian media blasted the performance and loss, calling it “shameful” and a “disgrace,” as reported by the Middle Eastern and Turkish news portal Haberler.

Due to the crushing defeat, Bulgaria is now at the bottom of their group, having lost all three of their games and appearing to have lost any chance of making it to the World Cup.