“Lies with the manager” – Jermaine Pennant defends controversial Stoke City, Steven Schumacher call
Jermaine Pennant has defended Stoke City’s controversial decision to sack Steven Schumacher, who was swiftly succeeded by new boss Narcis Pelach.
The Potters have conducted a significant, and strongly scrutinised, managerial turnover following their relegation to the Championship in 2018.
Indeed, in the six years that have followed their fall-out from the Premier League, Michael O’Neill and Alex Neil are the only two managers to surpass the 50-game benchmark in the Potteries, where six permanent appointments have been made in that time-frame.
Although certain managers such as Nathan Jones and Gary Rowett flattered to deceive, leaving scarce shock after receiving their marching orders, there was a palpable sense of surprise when Schumacher succumbed to the same fate just five games into the new second-tier season.
Schumacher, who was appointed to replace Neil only last December, had won two of his opening five games in charge this season but was ultimately dismissed following a 1-0 defeat away to Championship newcomers Oxford United in September.
The 40-year-old guided Stoke to a 16th-placed finish in the Championship during his first season with the club and had been in charge of 32 matches, leaving many supporters to fume at the club’s decision to give him the axe.
Indeed, Schumacher himself later revealed his own shock at being dismissed by the Potters, who have since appointed former Norwich City first-team coach Narcis Pelach.
Jermaine Pennant defends Stoke City’s Steven Schumacher, Narcis Pelach call
Spanish boss Pelach was appointed just two days after Schumacher’s sacking, which sent yet more criticism in Stoke’s way.
The Potters were under fire for parting ways with Schumacher quite so hastily when it did not appear as though he was under any reasonable pressure or uncertainty.
However, their decision has been defended by Pennant, who remains a fan favourite from his three-year stay in the Potteries during their Premier League era, helping the club to reach a historic FA Cup final in 2011.
Well, you have to look at it, they’re [now] 17th in the league and three points above the relegation zone,” Pennant exclusively told Football League World.
“Not so long ago Stoke was in the Premier League and that’s where they probably dream of being back, and even just challenging in the Championship.
“When a team like that is struggling, it’s the nature of the business. It’s a results-based game, if you’re not picking up results and doing well then unfortunately it lies with the manager.
