Stoke City

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Stoke City technical director Jon Walters is helping head coach Narcis Pelach lead a top to bottom reset of the club to pave the way for future progress.

Walters has been in post since April, five months before Pelach arrived from Norwich City, and he told BBC Radio Stoke they are trying to change the mindset after six and half seasons in the Championship.

The former Stoke, Bolton and Ipswich forward said of his job: "Every day just rolls into the next, it's literally 24 hours, non-stop, it's the challenge of something new every day, you're firefighting for a lot of it, dealing with problems, that's the role, trying to bring people together.

"The club's not finished above a certain level for a number of years, you see now the head coach has that drive and that mindset and that push.

"I'm here with him first thing in the morning and normally we're still here at half eight, nine o'clock at night, me and him just having a chat, he doesn't want to leave before me and I'm saying the same to him, how can we improve every part of the club, what are we doing, how can he help Ryan and the 21s, (and) because my son's in the academy, I go and watch them train and help those coaches get what we're doing with the first team.

"It's (about) surrounding yourself with good people and trying to lead it, not micro-manage it."

Stoke will start work on a new training complex next week and are open to bringing in new faces in January if the right players are available.

"You're always looking to add quality, you're always looking to improve, but it's got to be the right person for Stoke, the right person that fits into what we're doing, fits into the mentality we're trying to create here," Walters added.

"To have that shift from where the club's been over the past number of years, that's a difficult thing to do, and players you bring in have to match that."

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Former Stoke City defender Mike Pejic believes the team is moving in the right direction under head coach Narcis Pelach.

The Potters are on a run of one defeat in their last eight league games, a sequence of results that has moved them to 13th in the Championship.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Pejic said the Catalan coach has got players playing in the right positions.

"You have to have the right people in the right roles and if you get that and the right blend and right type of player, you are going to get results."

Pejic added that Tom Cannon, Andrew Moran, Lewis Koumas and Wouter Burger all have an important part to play if Stoke are to continue moving forward:

"We've got players who can split defences and stretch them, plus wide players who can dribble and cross. They can all bring out different elements of the game in their attacking play.

"At the moment the players are carrying out those roles effectively and with high performance levels you will get results."

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It's been 57 days since Narcís Pèlach replaced Steven Schumacher as Stoke City head coach. The Catalan has won three, drawn four and lost four of his first 11 games in charge.

You've been telling us what you think about the job Pèlach is doing at the Bet365 Stadium:

Alan - I really feel we have started to turn a corner under the new Head Coach. There’s going to be bumps along the way but after eight years of stagnation most fans will settle for a gradual improvement. My biggest concern is that four of our most influential players, Cannon, Koumas, Phillips and Moran are owned by other clubs and will take a lot of replacing.

Chris - We are giving the ball away too easily at times particularly in midfield where Burger continues to be poor. Our set pieces are woeful especially corners currently being taken from the right. Yes, we have scored in two consecutive matches via left-side corners, but I still feel that we could get more from these situations. All in all an improvement.

Andrew - This team appears to be happy and united and going places, with a new spring in their step. After the dross of recent years, just a top half finish would cheer us all up no end.

Do you agree? Let us know here, external.

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There are six Stoke City players who have been called up for senior international duty this week:

• Andrew Moran and Tom Cannon for Republic of Ireland

• Viktor Johansson for Sweden

• Jordan Thompson for Northern Ireland

• Lewis Koumas for Wales

• Bae Junho for South Korea

You can keep up to date with how they are getting on using our scores and fixtures list as well as following Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland's matches live on the BBC Sport website and Radio 5 Live.

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Stoke City full-back Eric Bocat has said he's settled quickly into English football. The Frenchman joined the Potters in the summer and has made 10 Championship starts.

He told BBC Radio Stoke that life in the Potteries has gone as well as he had hoped.

"I enjoy being here every week with the coaching staff and the people who works that we don't see. I think everyone is great here, I enjoy every day."

Bocat has played under two head coaches since his switch from Belgium Pro League side, St. Truiden.

Signed by Steven Schumacher, Bocat has had to prove himself again and earn his place in the team again as Catalan coach Narcís Pèlach is currently splitting games between the 25-year-old and experienced defender Enda Stevens.

"It's a good competition between us a healthy competition because we are teammates at the end of the day and we are here to push each other."

Stoke have lost just once in their last eight matches and go into the international break having picked up seven points from their last nine, including wins against Derby County and Blackburn Rovers, and more recently a draw at home to Millwall.

The French defender believes spirits are high and his new team is starting to find some consistency.

"The team will have to play the top of the table and have to build momentum, this week was the perfect example, it's good for the confidence and good for the club and team."

What have you noticed that's different about Pèlach's Stoke City team? Let us know here., external

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Former Stoke City full-back Tommy Smith has backed the Potters to get it right and challenge for promotion eventually, despite his own underwhelming three-year stay with the club.

The 32-year-old moved to the Bet365 Stadium from Huddersfield Town to play under Nathan Jones in 2019 but neither he nor the Potters impressed under the Welshman, or successor Michael O’Neill, and Smith left the club on a free transfer, signing for Middlesbrough in 2022.

He told the BBC’s Football Daily 72+ EFL podcast it was "a shame" a succession of big-money signings had failed to shine since the Potters were relegated from the top flight after 10 years in 2018.

In the six seasons since, Stoke have finished between 14th and 17th in every campaign, lost 110 matches and won just four FA Cup ties in total.

Smith told 72+: “One thing that can’t be questioned is the chairman’s loyalty and commitment to the club. He’s put his hand in his pocket numerous times over the years because he’s desperate for his club to do well.

“It’s a shame, really. One thing I saw when I walked in was a club that was desperate and geared up for the Premier League.”

Smith played 106 games for City across his three seasons, scoring three goals, and added: “They were trying to find the recipe for it all to click – for whatever reason it just never did.

“I’m still of the belief that at some point Stoke will get it right and challenge for the play-offs. It’s a fantastic club but the three years I had there we finished 15th, 14th and 14th - by Stoke’s expectation that’s nowhere near where we should have been as a team.”

Narcis Pelach was appointed in September and the Potters currently lie 13th in the Championship

“They are in another transition now where they’ve got a new manager in and have gone down another route of signing players from overseas which is not really something Stoke have previously done," Smith added.

“They are desperate to find that identity in terms of who they are and what they are. For so many years they have been real resolute, tough to beat.”

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Narcis Pelach is a "football nut" who works harder than anyone to try and get his vision across, according to someone who has seen him in action.

The Catalan spent nearly three years coaching at Huddersfield Town, where David Fox, ex-Premier League player and son of former Potters keeper Peter, was working as a scout and loan manager.

Fox - who attended his first City game at the Victoria Ground aged just two weeks old - told BBC Radio Stoke: "I worked with him at Huddersfield for a couple of years. Narcis always wanted to be a manager - you could tell he had this end game of being a manager somewhere.

"He’s the hardest worker I have come across, in terms of the detail and commitment that goes into sessions.

"He’ll be judged like everyone else - the style’s great, how we play is great but he needs to win football matches. So far I think he has doing really well. He’s added a blend of a style and philosophy, he’s trying to bring a togetherness to the club between the fans and the players. If he can get that momentum building he’ll be very good."

Fox said the 36-year-old "lived and breathed football" and was influenced by his time working at Girona, part of the City Football Group.

"He tries to make the game as simple as possible. There are no grey areas when players go onto the pitch. When you watch a game now it seems like a lot of little robots running around, it is so tactically based now, the game," Fox added.

"It’s not just because he is young and Spanish, the game has changed, you have to be more detailed now - the background staff is that big you can go into minute detail. Narcis tries to make it really simple what he wants from his players."

It's been more than 50 days since Pelach was appointed to replace Steve Schumacher at the helm at the Bet365, winning three, drawing four and losing four of his 11 matches in charge.

"He's got to get the fans involved. We all think he’s going to play out from the back, but it’s not playing 100 passes at the back, that’s not what Stoke do, it's not launching it, it’s finding a way to play forward quickly and getting in position to score goals.

"You have to go out and entertain and get the fans involved. Hopefully with a couple of wins it buys him some time to do that."

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Narcís Pèlach has given his Stoke City squad time to rest and recuperate during the international break. The Potters head coach will be hoping it helps his players come back fit and firing for their next Championship fixture away at QPR in 11 days.

You've been giving us your thoughts on how Pèlach has settled into the role since replacing Steven Schumacher in September.

Steve - We now have a manager who gives a half-time talk and the team responds. The second half improves due to a change in tactics. I feel more confident with Pèlach in charge. He has a system and win, lose or draw we’ll go forward.

Ian - We seem to be enjoying playing football and our defence is improving, but the main thing is we are scoring goals.

Peter - I think the head coach is doing a great job and knows he needs to a bring in defender or two in January. A right-back and left-back.

Gordon - Decent results, but still struggle in retaining possession in the midfield and upfront which prevents building up any real momentum. It puts too much pressure on the defence when we give the ball away. No other team plays the way Stoke do.

Will - It is far too early to make judgements. All of Stoke's recent managers have had short successful spells lasting three or four matches. If Stoke are in the top ten early next year then it will be time to get optimistic.

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Stoke City head into the latest international break with just one defeat from their past eight Championship matches.

The Potters have moved to within six points of the play-off places and resume action later this month with inviting-looking fixtures against struggling QPR and Preston North End.

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Stoke's 'A Cold Wet Tuesday Night' podcast, Lucas Yeomans and George Weaver (aka Potterlytics) discuss the recent run of promising form.

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Stoke City went into November's international break with seven points from a possible nine. You have told us what you think about the job head coach Narcís Pèlach and how you are feeling about the Potters.

Duncan - Stoke had a decent squad by the start of the season. Getting them playing as a team is another skill. I saw signs of a team under Schumacher and I see signs of a decent team now. Whoever is the manager, they must be given time, I hope Pelach is the man.

Clive - Still fragile in defence.

Miller Man - Stoke City have definitely got the best keeper in the Championship. He is magnificent!

Robin - Dare I say it? Jon Walters has got this appointment spot on. 50 days in and there is a goal in every game and a top top quality Keeper. Onwards and upwards.

Adrian - After numerous false dawns this time I believe we could be on to something. The players look like they are enjoying the systems used and it is building a team. I like what I see from the new manager

Robert - Getting better. Stoke have some good young players. I hope they will all stay!

John - It was great to win at Blackburn, but when your goalkeeper is by far and away the outstanding man of the match it does not boost confidence.

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Stoke City can make it three league wins in a row when they take on Millwall at the Bet365 Stadium.

Head coach Narcís Pèlach believes a togetherness from the players to the supporters will help the team progress.

"If we are together and we believe, we can do it, so let's see."

The Catalan coach told BBC Radio Stoke that Wednesday's win at Blackburn has given everyone confidence.

What do you think of Pèlach's Potters? Let us know here., external

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Stoke City captain Ben Gibson believes their inexperienced squad is learning how to win in different ways.

The Potters are looking for a third successive victory when they host in-form Millwall on Saturday. They had failed to win their previous four Championship matches under Narcis Pelach.

"We're young, we're inexperienced - it's about know-how and finding a way (to win)," Gibson told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We want to play free flowing football and for every night to be like Portsmouth at home was but that's not going to be the case."

Gibson moved to the bet365 Stadium from Norwich City in the summer where Pelach was briefly first-team coach.

"We know that this squad is growing and learning and it's becoming really enjoyable, " Gibson added.

"It's been a really good week and we can make it an excellent week if we win that game but Millwall are going really well and it's a tough game."

Stoke City's 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers made it back to back league wins for the first time this season for the Potters.

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Stoke's 'A Cold Wet Tuesday Night' podcast, Lucas Yeomans and George Weaver (aka Potterlytics) discuss the brilliance of goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and head coach Narcís Pèlach's first away win.

"If I could give out three man of the match awards I would give all three to Viktor Johansson."

Listen to the full episode here.

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Stoke City manager, Narcis Pelach is pleased to finally register back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Wednesday's 2-0 win at Blackburn followed a 2-1 victory over Derby at the weekend.

"We competed very well, the belief and the fight was at the maximum level we could offer," Pelach told BBC Radio Stoke.

"The first 20 minutes we knew would be difficult and we prepared for that, we talked about being competitive and then waiting for our moment.

"The team has been brilliant in terms of effort, energy and desire and you have to make sure you stay in games and we did it."

Stoke are at home to in-form Millwall on Saturday before the international break.

"Back-to-back wins is important because it brings confidence to the team but it's just a win, we need to put it to bed quickly and think about the next game against Millwall."

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After Narcís Pèlach described Tatsuki Seko as 'exceptional' you've been giving us your thoughts on the Japanese midfielder.

Dean - Really got something we have been crying out for. Hopefully him coming in the side will see a change in results and we fly up the table.

Steve - Having watched the Derby game I can honestly say that’s the first time in a long time I felt like we couldn’t lose. We seemed more composed, particularly after the own goal. Burger is back dictating in midfield and Stevens looked a threat. Tchamadeu showed some decent skills and overall we looked a lot more balanced.

Bob - Brilliant addition in respect of energy and attitude.

Paul - Tatsuki provides energy, pace and drive to compliment Junho. I totally agree with the manager's thoughts about Tatsuki's respectful attitude. Many could learn from him. Good luck Tatsuki

Connor - Stoke City are a team who I believe are more than capable of challenging for the play-offs, but inconsistency has been the issue for years and hopefully Narcis Pelach implements that into the team because they’ve got some cracking players. If Pelach can get a style that fits Stoke then they will do well

Adrian - Seko will be a major asset to Stoke, but fans have to understand the lack of football time he has had in the last 3 months. We don't want to put too much on him at this early stage and lose his future forever.

Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts here., external

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Stoke City head coach Narcis Pelach admits he has been incredibly impressed with Japanese midfielder Tatsuki Seko.

The 26-year-old joined the Potters in the summer and started his first two games against Southampton and Derby County.

Pelach told BBC Radio Stoke that Seko's attitude has been first-class.

"Seko has been exceptional, you don't find many players like Tatsuki. He's a great example of a teammate and the culture and character he has.

"He has not been playing under me until Southampton and he never knocked on my door, he respected my space and never asked why, he just went to training and did the best he could."

The Potters head coach went on to say that he has to manage Seko carefully given his lack of football over the last 3 months.

"Of course I have to be cautious because he is a good player and I really feel like he can give us a lot. He will represent the values of Stoke City very well, I want players like that."

What do you think about Tatsuki Seko? Let us know here, external.

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Stoke City will aim to pick up their second away win of the Championship season when they visit Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night. Narcis Pelach’s side have won one of their past five games (D3, L1), while Rovers are without a win in three (D1, L2).

• Blackburn completed a league double over Stoke last season and are looking for three wins in a row against them for the first time since a run of five between 1988 and 2008.

• After going eight league games unbeaten at Ewood Park between 2009 and 2022, Stoke City lost 3-1 there last season.

• Blackburn’s Tyrhys Dolan scored twice in that match - the first time he had done so in the league.

• Blackburn have not won a midweek league game since a 2-1 win over Bristol City in December 2023 (D3, L4 since), failing to score in six of those seven games.

• Stoke have failed to win or score in each of their past four away league games (D1, L3). The Potters have not gone five successive league games on the road without scoring outside the top-flight since August 1997 (a run of nine).

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