Alex Neil Reacts After Digesting Watford Loss
Just two days ago Stoke City was wrapping up a disappointing loss at home to Watford. Since then, Potters’ manager Alex Neil has had the chance to digest for himself what happened to Stoke City last match.
Neil took to the podium on Tuesday for his Burnley presser as Stoke City prepare to play on Wednesday against the Clarets. Neil discussed his takeaways from the Watford loss and updated the team’s injury status going into tomorrow’s match.
What Neil Had to Say About Watford Loss
After having a chance to go back and watch Stoke City’s 4-0 loss to Watford, how did The Potters’ boss take the loss and what did he think went wrong? Here’s how Neil saw the Watford match:
"“If I’m being honest I thought I saw a lot that I can build on and that’s going to sound very strange to people…I know obviously games last for 90 minutes, so I’m not trying to come away with anything. But I thought until 64 minutes when the second goal went in, I thought we were more competitive. I thought that our turnovers were very good. I think our use of the ball let us down in the game. But I thought in terms of regains and stuff. That was the highest regains we’ve had all season. So some aspects of our game were really good and there were some aspects of our game that were really poor.”"
There’s nothing too surprising in that quote from Neil. Most managers or coaches will put a positive spin on a loss to a degree. Neil did admit though that Stoke City wasn’t good enough on the ball.
Another larger point going into Stoke City’s Burnley match will be how the team reacts to a four-goal loss at home. Manager Alex Neil gave his thoughts on how his squad has responded so far this week in training:
"“Good for the lads…I think it was important, we spoke yesterday. Obviously I showed them on the video where we went wrong, what we could have done better, the bits that let us down within the match…What should happen is, losing any game regardless of the result should be damaging…damaging to the point to the point that you want to make it better…I’m hoping that’s the response we are going to get.”"
Alex Neil was very clear on Tuesday that it’s up to the players to respond Wednesday. Stoke City will be hoping to rebound in a big way mentality wise against a tough Burnley team.
Team News
Stoke City wing-back Dujon Sterling made his debut for Stoke City on Sunday against Watford. That came after a long bout of dealing with an injury and trying to regain fitness. It also came as a surprise start as it was widely thought Sterling would be out another match or two.
Fellow wing-back Josh Tymon was not so lucky on Sunday as he missed out with an injury. Midfielder Jordan Thompson also sat out the team’s last match in concussion protocol.
Per the normal routine this season with Alex Neil press conferences, Neil was guarded as to the injured players on his squad:
"“They’re (the players) always a day closer. They’re (the players) a day closer again.”"
It wouldn’t be surprising for Alex Neil to name the same squad on Wednesday against Burnley. It also wouldn’t be surprising if Stoke City get a surprise return of an injured player against Burnley.