Football pundit Don Goodman has expressed concerns that the success of Narcís Pelach at Stoke City is crucial to avoid a potential backlash from fans. Pelach took over as manager after the controversial dismissal of Steven Schumacher, marking his first main managerial role in English football after serving as an assistant coach at Norwich City and Huddersfield Town.
Although Stoke suffered defeats in Pelach’s first two matches in charge, a remarkable 6-1 victory against Portsmouth has given the new manager a positive start. Notably, goals from Tom Cannon, Sam Gallagher, and Andrew Moran contributed to the team’s first win since August.
Goodman emphasized the importance of Pelach’s success, particularly highlighting concerns over a possession-heavy playing style that lacks attacking aggression. The pundit referenced fan chants during the team’s loss to Middlesbrough, where supporters urged the players to take more offensive actions.
With fans eager for a more proactive approach on the field, Goodman warned that if Pelach’s tactics do not lead to positive results, Stoke City could face significant unrest among its supporters. The recent victory over Portsmouth was seen as a crucial turning point for the team, providing relief from potential relegation worries and offering a glimpse of hope for a more successful season ahead.
Stoke’s 6-1 victory against Portsmouth moved them up to 15th place in the Championship. They are now six points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers and are aiming to narrow that gap in the upcoming matches.
The win over Portsmouth broke a three-game losing streak for Stoke, who struggled to secure a victory in September, needing penalties to advance past Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup.
Up next, Stoke will face Swansea City on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off. The team needs to maintain their focus and be patient in pursuing their goals.
Stoke’s aspiration to return to the Premier League has been hindered by frequent changes in their playing style and management. The appointment of Pelach introduced a new approach, adding to the ongoing pattern of managerial differences.
The lack of coherent planning has led to multiple squad overhauls and resource wastage. Stoke must exhibit patience and commitment to Pelach’s strategies, even if he faces initial challenges with the team.
