Daniel Farke’s side took maximum points in February and briefly climbed into the Championship’s top two.
In recognition of their exceptional work in February, Daniel Farke and Ilia Gruev have been nominated for the Manager and Player of the Month awards in the Championship, respectively.
Farke is competing for the manager’s award, which would be his third of the season if he wins, alongside Marti Cifuentes of QPR, Ryan Lowe of Preston North End, and Liam Rosenior of Hull City. Gruev is on the player’s shortlist along with Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town, Josh Sargent of Norwich City, and Ike Ugbo of Sheffield Wednesday. This is Gruev’s first nomination of the season.
Leeds United had a flawless month in the Championship, winning all five of their games and momentarily moving up into the spots for automatic promotion. The Whites scored 13 goals during the process, but their defensive performance—only one goal past Illan Meslier in the 3-1 victory over Leicester City—was even more remarkable.
With their amazing comeback win over the league leaders, Leeds completed a statement month in the promotion fight and moved into the top two of the Championship. For his tactical adjustments in the second half of the match, manager Farke was highly praised, and the German has been acknowledged for his work all month long.
Leeds found their rhythm heading into the new year and appeared unstoppable through February, their second consecutive perfect month, as had been witnessed with his Norwich teams and as the 47-year-old predicted several times at the beginning of the season. Throughout the run, Farke maintained his customary composure and concentration and developed an almost impenetrable side that exuded confidence.
The play of Gruev, who has moved into the defensive midfield position with Ethan Ampadu taking over in Pascal Struijk’s absence, has been essential to that defensive solidity. The Bulgarian only came off for the final 16 minutes of the 3-0 victory over Rotherham at home in February, having started all five of the league games.
Following a rocky beginning to his existence in West Yorkshire, Gruev has developed into an essential part of the Leeds team. Glen Kamara can press forward without worrying about getting cut open because to his quickness and game reading. The 23-year-old’s passing range has also been evident and has gotten better as his confidence has grown.
Gruev hopes to follow Crysencio Summerville, who took home Player of the Month in October, as the second Leeds player to do so this year.
