Narcis Pelach Reflects on Stoke City’s Draw Against Preston North End

Stoke City manager Narcis Pelach shared his thoughts following the team’s goalless draw against Preston North End on November 26. While he noted some encouraging signs in the performance, Pelach was clear that the result fell short of expectations.

The match, which saw both teams create scoring opportunities, highlighted Stoke City’s dominance in possession, passing accuracy, and overall control of the game. Despite this, the inability to convert chances into goals remains a critical area of concern for the team. Pelach admitted that this lack of efficiency in the final third has been an ongoing issue, as evidenced by the team’s recent string of three consecutive draws.

READ MORE: Ashley Phillips Reflects on Stoke City’s Draw Against Preston North End

Defensive Stability Amid Offensive Struggles

Pelach praised the defensive efforts of his side, particularly the partnership between Ashley Phillips and Ben Gibson, as well as the outstanding performances of goalkeeper Victor Johansson. Johansson, enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, has recorded several clean sheets, solidifying Stoke City as a tough team to break down.

However, Pelach emphasized that defensive solidity alone isn’t enough. He called for greater aggression and creativity in the attack, urging his players to utilize the wings and improve their playmaking through the midfield.

A Project for the Future

Having only taken charge of the team a few months ago, Pelach views this as a long-term project. Stoke City currently sits 13th in the EFL Championship, but Pelach believes the team has the potential to rise up the table and, eventually, compete for a return to the Premier League.

Looking ahead, Stoke City faces a significant challenge as they host Burnley, one of the league’s top teams, in their next match. Pelach stressed the importance of maintaining focus and building on the positives to prepare for this critical encounter.