Narcís Pèlach appointed as new Stoke City manager
The 36-year-old joins the Potters having left his role as first team coach at Norwich City
Stoke City FC have appointed Narcís Pèlach as their new manager.
The 36-year-old Catalan, whose career to date has taken in spells with UE Figueres, CF Peralada, Girona, Huddersfield Town and Norwich City, joins the Potters on a three-year contract.
Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “Across the extensive dialogue I’ve had across football, including at the highest levels of the game, Narcís is one of the most respected and sought-after coaches around.
“He is exceptionally driven and meticulous and will drive those same standards from everyone around him at the Club.
“Having been a Head Coach in Spain from the age of 25, it was always something Narcís was going to get back to, and he has been patient about selecting the right opportunity.
“We are delighted that – after talking to John (Coates) and myself – Narcís was excited by the opportunity to represent a club with a talented young squad, a passionate fanbase and ambitious plans for the future.
“There is no doubt in our minds that Narcís will enjoy a successful career as a Head Coach and are excited to give him the opportunity to make that a reality at Stoke City.”
Pèlach will be joined at the Club by coaches Dean Whitehead and Paul Clements and Performance Analyst Harrison Glew.
The new Head Coach said: “I feel a great excitement and sense of responsibility to Stoke City and can’t thank John Coates and Jon Walters enough for giving me this opportunity.
“I’ve had other chances to become a Head Coach in England and in other countries. But once I saw in their eyes how passionate they are about the Club and how much they want to embrace a different identity and philosophy, I could not refuse and, once I’m in, I’m all in.
“I know the league, I know the opposition and I already know about our players. The level of the squad is good. I believe in them and I will create a playing style that suits their qualities.
“The methodology will be different, the training will be intense every day, sometimes it won’t be comfortable and players and coaches will be challenged a lot.
“But, if we get it right and do something together that owners, players, supporters and staff emotionally believe in, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
Stoke City Chair John Coates added: “I’m delighted to welcome Narcís to Stoke City and wish him every success in his new role.
“From the way he articulates his ideas, to his meticulous depth of knowledge and his obvious passion and desire to be successful, everything about him is impressive, and I’m excited to witness the impact he will have on our Club.”