Stoke boss Narcis Pelach under pressure ahead of Sunderland game
Narcis Pelach, the manager of Stoke City, is under increasing pressure before Sunderland’s Sunday visit to the bet365 Stadium.
The Potters are winless in eight games, and the supporters turned on the head coach following the Potters’ 2-0 loss at 10-man Sheffield Wednesday on the road this past weekend. Stoke only hired the former Norwich City coach in September after firing previous manager Steven Schumacher.
With games against Leeds, Sunderland, and Burnley coming up in the next nine days, Stoke is currently in 19th place, just three points above the relegation zone.
“We are aware of the current circumstances,” Pelach stated following the Owls’ loss over the weekend.
We’ve been in football long enough to know, but now isn’t the time to be upset. Now is the moment to return to the pitch and make a strong impression at home.
“The supporters will support us if we offer them something to start with. Leeds is a tough team—possibly the hardest in this league—but we’re not going to give up.
“Any player who gives up will not be allowed to play on the pitch. I want to be represented by the players. I am aware that the Boxing Day game is a huge event in England, and we must rise to the occasion.
“Of course I am (prepared to fight),” added Pelach, who has only won three games to date. Regarding this, I have no reservations. I have a clear head. My project is here, I want to fight, and my heart belongs to Stoke City.
“I want my players to stand up for me, and I know they will since they approach me and I understand our bond. We can learn something from this, but it’s not because they’re not trying. I take it that way.
“I’m going to work tonight as much as I’ve worked the other days and I’ll work tomorrow again and the day after and Boxing Day we will go against Leeds.”
Earlier this month, Sunderland defeated Stoke 2-1 in the Championship at the Stadium of Light. They will also play the Potters in the FA Cup third round in early January.
