Stoke City boss Gary Rowett has endured a tough start to life at the Bet365 Stadium.
Stoke City boss Gary Rowett believes his side shouldn’t be too discouraged by the first couple of games of the season, prompting some supporters to question his assessment of the campaign so far.
Rowett joined Stoke in the summer, leaving fellow Championship side Derby County to take up the reigns at the Bet365 Stadium following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last May.
Stoke are among the bookies’ favourites to win the Championship title this season, but their early season form has some fans concerned as just one point from two games currently sees the club in the bottom three.
Rowett, speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Preston North End this weekend, has told reporters he isn’t too discouraged by the team’s start to the season – an assessment some fans find baffling.
Stoke didn’t particularly enjoy a good pre-season and in their opening 3-1 defeat at Leeds United, Rowett’s side looked lethargic and seemed to play without any real pattern of play.
The former Derby boss will take time to get his Stoke side hitting top gear, but their early season form is somewhat concerning, and they can’t afford to fall too far behind their rivals even at this early stage.
The Potters spent more than £25 million this summer on the likes of Tom Ince, James McClean, Sam Clucas and Oghenekaro Etebo while retaining Jack Butland, Joe Allen and Ryan Shawcross, therefore it’s easy to see why they are the favourites for promotion this term.
But with the Championship’s unforgiving nature and games coming thick and fast, Rowett must get to grips with his squad quickly or face the possibility of losing patience from a section of Stoke’s demanding supporters.
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