Pressure is increasing on Stoke City manager Alex Neil after the defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday
Stoke City’s performance has drastically deteriorated, as evidenced by their last three losses, which has angered fans.
Manager Alex Neil understands the fans’ rage and frustration when their team loses in the final seconds of a game.
Neil’s future at the club will be determined by the upcoming stretch of winnable games; a poor performance could mean the end of his time there.
Following three straight wins in October, the Potters appeared to have turned the corner after a dismal start to the season.
But since then, their play has drastically deteriorated, and on Saturday at Home Park, they lost for the third time in a row, falling short to Plymouth Argyle 2-1.
Tyrese Campbell gave Stoke the lead in the 23rd minute, but Mustapha Bundu’s header from Kaine Kesler-Hayden’s cross gave the Pilgrims an equaliser just before halftime.
In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Adam Randall’s goal gave Argyle the victory after Michael Cooper had denied Ryan Mmaee in the second half as the Potters attempted to regain their lead.
After the final whistle, Stoke fans expressed their frustration, and Neil acknowledged that he understood.
“I recognise that the last three games we’ve played have caused a great deal of frustration. It’s not just about losing games; it’s about losing games right before the end. Neil said to Stoke-on-Trent Live, “It’s the best way to win, the best feeling, and the worst way to lose.
After the final whistle, Stoke fans expressed their frustration, and Neil acknowledged that he understood.
“I recognise that the last three games we’ve played have caused a great deal of frustration. It’s not just about losing games; it’s about losing games right before the end. It’s the greatest feeling in the world, but it’s also the worst way to lose,” Neil remarked to Stoke-
“I just need to get the guys to calm down and concentrate on the upcoming games because I know there will be a lot of frustration and anger because of that.
“There will be frustration and anger if you come all the way down here, which is a long way, and then you lose the game in the 96th minute, especially after we’ve had some really good opportunities to win the game. That is typical football practise.”
Ahead of their matchup with bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, the Potters are presently positioned in 20th place in the standings, nine points clear of the play-off spots and just five points above the relegation zone.
“I know there will be a lot of frustration and anger because of it, so I just need to get the guys to calm down and focus on the next games.
“Coming all the way down here, which is a long way, and then losing the game in the 96th minute will cause frustration and anger, especially after we’ve had some really good opportunities to win the game. That’s how football practise is usually done.”
When the Potters take on Sheffield Wednesday, who are currently at the bottom of the table, on Saturday at the bet365 Stadium, they will be in 20th place in the standings, nine points above the play-off spots and only five points above the relegation zone.
Neil’s tenure may come to an end if the team doesn’t have success in those games, especially when playing teams like Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea, Millwall, and Birmingham.
The Stoke management may be wondering if they can support Neil again as the January transfer window draws near after the Scotsman added 18 new players to the team this summer.
Since many of those recent additions haven’t performed well so far, the Potters can’t afford to let Neil bring in more players who might not mesh well with any prospective new manager if his future is uncertain.
Neil is not the only manager to have encountered difficulties at the bet365 Stadium; Stoke, who are currently in their sixth consecutive season in the Championship, have found it difficult to contend for a return to the Premier League following their relegation in 2018.
However, Neil has been in charge long enough to have an impact; therefore, he needs to continue producing results or else his job status will have to be seriously questioned. He might lose his job if another corner doesn’t turn out as dramatically as this one did.
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