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'We aren't used to that' - Early Stoke City verdict delivered on new boss Narcis Pelach
A fortnight off between busy periods for Stoke City as they try to show they are moving in the right direction under another new head coach. It is time for part one of our international break fans’ panel and a chance to gauge the mood under Narcis Pelach and the stand out players during his first few weeks in office.
Giving their verdicts this week are JON OWEN, from Seabridge, RICHARD JAMES, from Blythe Bridge, Stoke City Connect member JAMES KNOWLES, from Fenton, and IAN PARKES, from Matlock.
What's your early verdict on Narcis Pelach?
Jon Owen: I saw a message on the Oatcake message board earlier this week saying "have Stoke turned a corner" after the last three games. I wouldn't go that far and I think the amount of chances we have given away in some games points to things not completely working. We've had an over reliance on match winning performances from Viktor Johansson in too many games.
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That said, I agree with those who have said we look fitter, it's nice to be competitive in a whole game rather than doing absolutely nothing in the second half.
I also think we've shown some real character to get back in games and turn the form around, and there seems to be more togetherness on show as well. I've really enjoyed listening to Pelach's interviews too, and I'm feeling more hopeful than the end of September.
What we need to do now is keep chipping away at the points tally when we resume v QPR and keep the momentum up, I might believe the corner is in sight then!
James Knowles: After a slow start it feels like Pelach is getting things together nicely. The togetherness he has brought into the dressing room is important and it is translating onto the pitch. We've had front foot starts to quite a few matches - something we aren't used to in Stoke! That attacking mentality is a style that will get fans excited and there seems to be a healthy amount of respect between manager and supporters. For someone so young and inexperienced in a top role, that is some going after just a couple of months.
Ian Parkes: When the news came through that we had yet another new head coach, no one quite knew how to take the news. Could yet another person try to break us out of the repeated cycle of a lower table Championship finish if all the rest had failed? Yet Pelach seems to bring something different to the table. He appeared to have taken a position that was a poisoned chalice given all the previous history.
Stepping up from assistant to head coach seems a big leap and yet he has taken it in his stride. He focusses a game at a time with a squad he has inherited and sets his stall accordingly. When he joined, Jonny Walters talked about a person they needed that reflected the Stoke values of discipline and standards. This has been something that we have heard many a time from Pelach himself in his interviews.
When you hear him speak, and the players’ own thoughts, it all comes back to a few basic points. He does listen to the old guard in the changing room and takes on board their comments. He has built up a rapport with the players and has them onside with his ideas and thoughts. He is not a coach who isn’t seen on the training pitch; indeed, he does lead many of the sessions himself. He does seem to focus on the players themselves, their needs, health, and experience. Most of all he does make players focus on the targets he sets.
Richard James: It’s hard not to like what Narcis Pelach has to say and how he conducts himself. He certainly talks a good game but due to the previous hot air emitted from ST4; it’s perhaps not surprising that Stokies brace for impact for when the inevitable crash landing comes. After a mixed start it does now feel like we are starting to see what he wants to implement and how he wants us to play so hopefully he can steer us away from danger and who knows, we could even reach nose bleed territory and finish in the top half!
Injuries aside we can pretty much predict his team selection most weeks now as well, indeed had Enda Stevens been five years younger you suspect there would have been a few more unchanged line-ups than there has been already.
The big question will be what he does when Sam Gallagher returns from injury. We saw against Pompey that a combination of the former Blackburn man and Tom Cannon would be a real handful for any team at this level. The obvious problem playing a strike duo gives us is how open we look if that means playing a two man midfield. While I’m aware how highly Bosun Lawal is rated behind the scenes at the club, it would be unfair to think he can come in and do the work of two in the engine room.
Who has been Stoke's stand out player so far this season?
Jon Owen: Viktor has been like having Superman in goal. He's been an absolute bargain and if he keeps this up, he'll be in line for the Championship player of the season. We also seem to play better when Enda Stevens starts. I've also been impressed with Million Manhoef and Tom Cannon, whose goal threat gives us a chance.
James Knowles: Of course, Johansson's shot stopping has been excellent - culminating in that superb display at Blackburn. Elsewhere, Koumas has shown flashes of why he's at such a big club. Hopefully we see more of him in the coming months - it would be a crying shame if we weren't able to squeeze everything out of the loanee. A special mention for another player on loan too. Moran shows great intelligence and has been a good addition to the team.
Ian Parkes: Obviously the standout player is our Viking keeper. Excellent goalkeepers are something, that as Stoke fans, we are rightly proud of having so many over the years. Victor has joined those ranks as a very dear player in the hearts of fans already. He has passion, plays with a smile on his face and really appeals to the fans with his celebrations.
Moving on to his abilities, he is an amazing shot-stopper, both from close and far distances. It takes a lot to beat him (apart from maybe the odd backward header from his own defence). There are so many saves you could talk about, but for me the one against Blackburn from close range he palmed away with one hand, was amazing.
Moran has also been an outstanding player this year. He embodies a player with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He is always at the heart of things, making something happen on the pitch. He does come from deep positions to join into attacks and has earned many plaudits this year.
Richard James: Whisper it quietly but Viktor Johansson actually had a bit of shaky pre season but he’s since put that way behind him with some stellar displays. His great form so far this campaign culminated in one of the best displays I’ve seen from a Stoke keeper in our victory at Ewood Park. Stood behind his goal in that second half there were two or three moments where I was just waiting for the net to bulge only to see him pull off a miraculous save. For the money we paid he is an absolute bargain and a top bloke with it by the looks of things.
My other key player has been Andrew Moran. For a young lad in midfield it is very difficult to make your mark especially when you’re being asked to be our most creative midfielder. As you’d expect he’s had some quiet games here and there but generally he’s looked bright, tidy and keeps the ball moving and is always prepared to either step forward with the ball or try and find a shirt in an advanced position.
