Stoke City boss Narcis Pelach has spoken of his expectations for his players with Million Manhoef singled out as a standout prospect.

Stoke City have started the season with two wins in six games after narrowly avoiding relegation last year. Despite the start, the club hierarchy decided to sack Steven Schumacher after less than a year in charge.

Narcis Pelach has since been appointed as the Potters’ head coach. The Spaniard lost his first game in charge last Friday as Hull City came to the Bet365 Stadium and won 3-1.

Million Manhoef, a winger, took on a somewhat unusual duty as a number 10 in that match. It remains to be seen if he stays there for Stoke City, but it is certain that new manager Pelach believes the 22-year-old has what it takes to be a truly exceptional player.

Pelach expressed his wish to assist Manhoef in realizing his potential in an interview with Stoke on Trent Live, emphasizing that it is his duty to maximize the Dutch player’s potential.

The Stoke City chief stated, “Million Manhoef can be an amazing player, but there is a lot of work to be done.”

“I had a conversation with him regarding this, and he expressed his desire to succeed, be present, and grow into the best version of himself. It’s our responsibility as a coaching staff to see this through.

“It’s my fault and our problem as coaches if Million Manhoef doesn’t perform to the level that we all expect. We’ll see, but work is ongoing every day.

Pelach also mentioned Tom Cannon and Lewis Koumas as players he thinks he can help at Stoke City in addition to Manhoef.

“I want to develop Tom Cannon and Lewis Koumas into excellent players. We’re new here, so they don’t know me.”

This season, Cannon and Koumas have both come in on loan. Since his arrival, Cannon has started both games, but the striker has not yet found the back of the net.

Koumas, 19, is a high talent who comes from Liverpool, and his first eight games across all competitions have seen him record two goals and an assist.

Pelach’s difficult beginning

Pelach had limited time to convince him of his thoughts before to their loss against Hull City. It would be unfair to evaluate him based solely on his performance because Stoke City only hired him two days prior to the match.

But the Potters have another difficult game coming up—a trip to Middlesbrough is scheduled following his first full week in command.

Stoke City, who were led by former manager Schumacher, may like their chances after already thrashing Boro 5-0 in the Carabao Cup.