Stoke City manager Narcís Pelach addressed various topics in detail during his pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Queens Park Rangers. Reflecting on the international break, Pelach shared that he managed to take a brief respite from football, spending time with his family in Girona and Barcelona. While he admitted that completely switching off from football was challenging, he did enjoy a few days free of the game before returning to focus on Stoke City’s pressing schedule.
The Potters are gearing up for a demanding week, beginning with a visit to Queens Park Rangers, who currently sit at the bottom of the Championship table. With only one league victory since August, QPR presents a pivotal challenge for Stoke, who are keen to maintain their recent form. Pelach expressed confidence in his squad, noting that all international players have returned to training, including young talent Sol Sidibe.
Sidibe, who captained England’s Under-18s in their recent match against Poland, continues to make strides in his development. The son of Stoke legend Mamady Sidibe, he has been part of the first-team setup this season, providing a memorable assist for Million Manhoef earlier in the campaign. Pelach commended the teenager’s intelligence, maturity, and potential, but stressed the importance of a measured approach to his progression.
“It’s a great reward for him to captain England,” Pelach remarked. “He’s a very clever player, rare for someone his age, and a wonderful person too. While he might want more minutes, I’m being deliberate in his development. Rushing him could do more harm than good, so we’re taking steps to ensure he’s fully ready when the time comes.”
Pelach emphasized the balance between nurturing young talent and achieving immediate team goals, describing how Sidibe is being guided through video analysis and coaching to enhance his game. Despite limited playing time, the manager is optimistic about the midfielder’s long-term future and his potential to be a key player for Stoke City.
Meanwhile, the club has begun work on redeveloping their Clayton Wood training ground, a project set to be completed by Christmas next year. Pelach shared his excitement about the upgrades, seeing them as an opportunity to elevate the team’s capabilities. He revealed a personal ambition to remain with the club and lead the team into this new era.
“This is a dream worth fighting for,” Pelach said with enthusiasm. “I told my staff, we need to work hard to be here when the new facilities are ready. It’s motivating, but it also underscores the importance of achieving results and implementing our philosophy now. Building a solid foundation this season is crucial if we want to capitalize on the future opportunities these improvements will bring.”
For Pelach, Stoke’s aspirations go beyond the immediate season. His vision is to create a lasting legacy, one that combines results, style, and a cohesive methodology to position Stoke City as a competitive force in the years ahead.
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