Stoke City's Struggles in the 2024-2025 Season

Stoke City is enduring a challenging 2024-2025 season under the management of Narcís Pelach. Expectations were high at the start of the campaign, with hopes of competing for promotion to the Premier League. However, the team has been unable to live up to these ambitions.

After 19 games, Stoke finds itself in 15th place in the EFL Championship table. With only 5 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, the Potters have managed to collect just 21 points. This poor form is further highlighted by their recent record, which includes 3 draws and 2 consecutive defeats in the last five matches.

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Issues in Front of Goal

While Stoke City's possession-based style has shown promise, the lack of a clinical edge in front of goal has been a recurring issue. Despite creating opportunities, the team has struggled to convert these into goals, leading to frustrating results and missed opportunities to climb the table.

Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has been a standout performer, often preventing larger defeats with his impressive saves. However, relying heavily on Johansson's heroics is unsustainable, and the team must improve collectively to turn results around.

Managerial Challenges

Narcís Pelach, who joined the club shortly after the season began, faces increasing pressure. After the recent 2-1 defeat to Sunderland, Pelach acknowledged the difficulties of taking charge mid-season and emphasized the need for hard work to overcome the current struggles.

Pelach also highlighted the importance of teamwork, stressing that individual performances, while commendable, must translate into cohesive, collective efforts on the pitch.

What's Next for Stoke City this Season

Stoke City must quickly find solutions to avoid further slipping down the table and edging closer to the relegation zone. Fans remain supportive, cheering the team on despite the setbacks, but they are eager for signs of improvement.

As the season progresses, a shift in mindset and enhanced team chemistry will be crucial. Stoke City must prioritize turning possession into tangible results, improving their attacking efficiency, and building on the individual talent within the squad. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Stoke can salvage its season and reassert itself as a competitive force in the Championship.