Pelach Reacts to Stoke’s Defeat and Eight-Match Winless Run

Stoke City manager Narcis Pelach is now facing an eight-match winless streak after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against ten-man Sheffield Wednesday. Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Pelach stated, “It’s a hard one to take. You expect to win when they are down to 10 men.” He further criticized his team’s defensive play, commenting, “We defended badly (on both goals) – we shot ourselves in the foot. We have to be much more aggressive because we have more numbers than them in the box, it cannot end in a goal, it’s unacceptable.” Pelach did note a positive aspect of the game, adding, “In the first half I think we were more pragmatic, aggressive, won many more duels and second balls which is what I demand from the team. The first 45 minutes are good.” The manager also voiced frustration over officiating decisions, saying, “There were some decisions which changed the game in big moments. Lewis Koumas was one v one with the keeper and was (given) offside when he was not and the two penalties (not awarded), Bannan and Lewis Koumas, this is unacceptable, but it is what it is at the moment.”