Stoke City’s aspirations for a strong campaign in the EFL Championship have been overshadowed by a dismal run of form, culminating in the dismissal of head coach Narcis Pelach. The Spanish manager was brought in on September 20 to navigate a challenging period, but his tenure failed to reverse the team's fortunes.
Under Pelach’s guidance, Stoke managed just three wins in 19 matches, alongside seven draws and nine defeats. The team is now dangerously close to the relegation zone, a situation that has left fans and management deeply concerned about the club’s future.
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Interim Leadership and Uncertain Future
The decision to part ways with Pelach comes after Stoke extended their winless streak to nine matches. This run has left the team languishing in the lower reaches of the table, far from their preseason hopes of contending for promotion to the Premier League.
Stoke City have parted company with Head Coach Narcís Pèlach.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 27, 2024
For now, Ryan Shawcross, a club legend and former player, will step in as interim head coach. Shawcross is set to lead the team in their next match, though Stoke has yet to announce a permanent replacement for Pelach.
Stoke City's sporting director has spoken about the sacking of Narcis Pelach and how the decision is best for both parties looking to a promising future.
"“Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future. However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time. I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward. Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the Club.”"Jon Walters
A Tough Task Ahead
Stoke City's management now faces the difficult challenge of appointing a coach capable of stabilizing the team and steering them away from relegation danger. The timing of the decision leaves little room for error, as the club must act quickly to ensure a positive turnaround in 2025.
While Pelach’s departure closes a brief and disappointing chapter, Stoke City’s focus must now shift to identifying a leader who can restore confidence and guide the team to safety in what remains of the season.