Stoke City have parted ways with head coach Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. Pelach, who was appointed in September to replace Steven Schumacher, struggled to turn the club’s fortunes around, winning only three of his 18 Championship matches. His departure follows a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Leeds United on Boxing Day, which left Stoke in 19th place in the league, just three points above the relegation zone.
Pelach’s tenure at Stoke was marked by a series of underwhelming results and performances. The club had hoped that the young coach, who was just 36 years old when appointed, could help steer them to better performances after a poor start to the season. However, despite his hard work and dedication, the results did not improve significantly, with Stoke losing five of their last six league games and drawing the other.
Jonathan Walters, the club’s sporting director, expressed regret over the decision but also acknowledged the need for change. Walters praised Pelach’s talent and potential, stating that he was a coach who worked tirelessly and had a bright future ahead of him. However, he also admitted that, in hindsight, Pelach had not been the right fit for Stoke at this time. Walters took full responsibility for the decision and emphasized the club’s commitment to finding the right coach to lead the team forward.
Pelach’s departure is the latest in a series of managerial changes at Stoke this season. The club is now on the lookout for their third head coach of the campaign. The pressure is mounting on the club to make the right appointment, as they look to avoid relegation and return to a more competitive position in the Championship.
Stoke’s struggles this season have been evident, with inconsistency and a lack of cohesion on the pitch. The team has shown flashes of promise but has failed to string together consistent performances. Pelach, who had previously worked with the Spanish Football Federation and managed in the lower leagues in Spain, was brought in to bring a fresh approach to the club. However, despite his tactical knowledge and experience, he was unable to make the desired impact.
The Potters now face a critical period as they look to find a new head coach to guide them through the remainder of the season. With the club sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, the next managerial appointment will be crucial in determining Stoke’s future. The team’s immediate goal will be to secure enough points to stay in the Championship, but the longer-term aim will be to rebuild and push for promotion to the Premier League.
The search for a new head coach will likely be a top priority for the club’s hierarchy, and they will be hoping to make an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, Stoke will have to prepare for their next match against Sunderland, who currently sit in fourth place. The team will need to regroup and find a way to improve their form if they are to avoid a potential relegation battle in the second half of the season.
Stoke City’s decision to part ways with Narcis Pelach marks the end of a brief and disappointing chapter in the club’s managerial history. The focus now shifts to finding a new leader who can inspire the team to greater success and help guide the club back to a more stable and competitive position in the Championship.
