Stoke City is on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Narcis Pelach, who was at the helm for merely 19 matches. The decision followed Thursday’s 2-0 defeat against Leeds United, marking the club's ninth consecutive match without a win and leaving them precariously close—just three points above the Championship relegation zone.
Pelach, who replaced Steven Schumacher back in September, had hoped to turn around the fortunes of the Potters but instead was only able to claim three victories during his short tenure across all competitions. "Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential," Potters sporting director Jon Walters remarked. "He works relentlessly hard, and I have no doubt he will go on to achieve success in the future. Yet, with the way results and performances have been recently, we have to accept, with hindsight, he has not proved to be the right fit for this club at this time."
Pelach's time at Stoke concluded with disappointing performances, particularly highlighted by the Boxing Day loss to Leeds United. Leeds dominated the match, showcasing what has become of Stoke’s season—a blend of missed opportunities and lackluster efforts on the field. Pelach oversaw just three wins from 19 games, which many fans were unhappy with, especially during the last two home games where frustrations boiled over with both the draw against Cardiff and the defeat to Leeds.
The 36-year-old coach previously served at Huddersfield and Norwich, patiently waiting for his chance as head coach. Despite having one of the squad's finest talents, Sam Gallagher, sidelined for most of the season, Pelach remarked, "We have not been helped by availability... we need to bring players in January because the league is very tough, and Stoke City needs more players." His calls for reinforcements highlight deep-rooted issues within the squad.
The aftermath of the devastating loss has resulted in speculation around who will fill the managerial position. A caretaker team is expected to step up for the upcoming match at home against Sunderland. Names surfacing as potential successors include Mark Robins, Steve Cooper, Tony Mowbray, Neil Harris, and David Wagner. Others like Gary O’Neil, Russell Martin, and even David Moyes are currently without teams, adding to the pool of candidates.
Support from the club’s leadership remains imperative, with Jon Walters accepting responsibility for the appointment of Pelach. He stated he would stay on as sporting director, emphasizing the need to make the next managerial decision with careful consideration. Stoke City has seen eight managers depart since 2018, indicating instability within the club and the struggle to escape the lower tier of the Championship.
Meanwhile, Leeds United's trip to Stoke marked their rise to the top of the Championship table, having conquered the Potters with relative ease. Joel Piroe's double sealed the victory. Reflecting on the win, Leeds manager Daniel Farke noted, "It was a good win and performance; not one of our shiniest, but we had control." This encapsulates the disparity between the two teams; one on the rise and one desperately searching for form.
Looking at the immediate challenges before Stoke, they must act quickly to reverse their fortunes. Fans are anxious for leadership stability and strategic planning, with the next managerial appointment seen as pivotal for the club's future. With January transfer windows approaching, bolstering the squad may prove equally important.
Stoke City's search for their third manager of the season could define their campaign. With looming relegation fears and the prospect of another coaching overhaul fresh on the minds of fans, the club's leadership is faced with ensuring they land the right candidate to revive the Potters’ spirits and ambitions. Whether the next chapter will emerge with renewed vigor and success remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on the developments within the club as they navigate this complex phase.
