“My best was not enough” – Narcis Pelach’s first words after Stoke City sacking

Narcis Pelach was fired as Stoke City manager on Friday after a poor 2-0 loss to Leeds United on Boxing Day.

After taking over from Steven Schumacher in September, the Spaniard won only three of his 19 games as Potters’ manager. He conceded that his best efforts were insufficient in his first senior managerial position.

Pelach’s dismissal seemed unavoidable after a sequence of results that had seen them go without a win since November 6th, and with only three points separating Stoke from the relegation zone, the club felt compelled to move decisively.

Despite being fired just a few months into a three-year contract, Pelach thanked the club for giving him the chance to take his first steps into senior management and wished Stoke the best.

Narcis Pelach breaks silence after Stoke City sacking

 

After being fired on Friday, Pelach wrote a statement to the club and its supporters, thanking them for giving him a chance, and it was evident that he had no hard feelings despite being fired.

The Spaniard apologised for the outcome that did not meet his expectations.

“I did my best, but it was not enough. I am very grateful to John Coates and John Walters for this opportunity.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the players who have shown me a great deal of respect, affection, and passion. Also, I want to thank the team for their help.

“I sincerely wish Stoke City and its fans all the best. “Thank you.

After a difficult first job in senior management, Pelach will hunt for another position elsewhere in the near future, intending to prove the Potters’ hierarchy wrong after they parted ways with him.

Narcis Pelach shouldn’t be too disappointed by his time at Stoke City

 

Although the results were not satisfactory, the Stoke position has been a difficult one in previous years. Few managers have gained credit after being fired by the Potters.

Stoke have had six permanent managers since their relegation to the Championship in 2018, and none of them have been successful, with the exception of Michael O’Neill, who had the longest tenure and led them to several mid-table results.

Pelach’s struggles at The bet365 Stadium are not uncommon, so he should not be discouraged.

Pelach’s first job was always expected to be difficult, and it was, but once the dust settles, he’ll attempt to rebuild his coaching career elsewhere.

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