'Amazing player' – Stoke City boss sheds light on private talks with 22-year-old

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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.

In that game, winger Million Manhoef played in a fairly unfamiliar role as a number 10. Time will tell whether he continues there for Stoke City, but it’s clear that new boss Pelach sees the 22-year-old as someone who can become a real standout player.

Speaking to Stoke on Trent Live, Pelach shared his desire to help Manhoef fulfil his potential, highlighting it is his responsibility to get the best out of the Dutch talent.

“Million Manhoef can be an amazing player but there is a lot of work to do,” the Stoke City chief said.

“I spoke about this with him and he knows, he wants to do it, he wants to be here, he wants to become the best version of himself. Our duty as a coaching staff is to make this happen.

“If Million Manhoef doesn’t get to the level that we all expect then it’s our fault as coaches and it’s my fault. We’ll see but the work is every day.”

Others singled out

Alongside Manhoef, Lewis Koumas and Tom Cannon were also named as players who Pelach believes he can improve at Stoke City.

“We are new here and they don’t know me but this is my aim: make Lewis Koumas a great player, make Tom Cannon a great player.”

Both Cannon and Koumas have arrived on loan this season. Cannon has started both games since his arrival but the striker is yet to find the net.

19-year-old Koumas joins as a top prospect from Liverpool and his early performances have been promising, registering two goals and an assist in eight games across all competitions.

Tough start for Pelach

Pelach did not have much time to get his ideas across to his side ahead of their defeat to Hull City. He was only appointed by Stoke City two days before the game, so it would be harsh to judge him on that performance.

However, after his first full week in charge, a trip to Middlesbrough is next up, marking another tough game for the Potters.

Stoke City may fancy their chances after already defeating Boro 5-0 in the Carabao Cup, though that was under the lead of former boss Schumacher.

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