Narcis Pelach singles Leeds United star out for praise as pressure grows on Stoke City chief

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Narcis Pelach felt the big turning point in Stoke City's home loss to Championship leaders Leeds United came in the second minute. The Potters could have taken an early lead but Lewis Koumas was thwarted by the agility of Illan Meslier.

The visitors controlled proceedings for long periods and secured maximum points after a brace either side of half-time from leading marksman Joel Piroe. Asked if it could have been a completely different contest had Koumas put them ahead, City boss Pelach said: "I think so. It was a good chance but (Illan) Meslier made a good save and reacted well to it (the shot).

"We are disappointed with the result. Leeds are a very good side and they make it difficult for all the teams, not just for us. We had a good chance with Lewis and didn't score and we knew they were going to have the ball more than us and they would put us deep. They are a good team. When you try to press them, they have speed and when they break chances they create chances from that. We got beaten by quality."

Defeat extended the Potters winless run to nine matches and heaped more pressure on Pelach. Their last victory came back at Blackburn Rovers on November 6.

Stoke, who are 19th in the Championship, three points above the relegation zone, entertain Sunderland on Sunday in their final fixture of 2024. "When you don't get wins in football, the confidence goes down," said Pelach. "We have to try and be strong and not be feeling sorry for ourselves. Things can change very quick but we have to believe that we can do it."

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