Stoke City Eyes Narcís Pelach for Manager Role After Sacking Schumacher

Stoke City have set their sights on Norwich’s first-team coach Narcís Pelach as their top candidate for the managerial position, following the dismissal of Steven Schumacher. Stoke has been granted permission to engage in talks with the Spanish coach regarding the role.

Pelach, 36, joined Norwich in 2022 under David Wagner and continued in his role under current boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, who took charge in May. Prior to his time at Norwich, Pelach gained valuable experience working alongside Carlos Corberán at Huddersfield Town, where he served as an assistant and twice stepped in as interim manager. He has also worked as an assistant coach at Girona in Spain’s La Liga.

Pelach has previously shared his coaching philosophy, emphasizing a proactive, confident approach. “We want to be the dominant team, playing with confidence and without fear,” he once remarked while at Norwich.

Stoke’s technical director, Jon Walters, is leading the search for Schumacher’s replacement, and Pelach is seen as a strong contender to take the helm. If appointed, he will become the club’s sixth permanent manager in just five years. Schumacher’s exit follows a disappointing 1-0 loss to Oxford, leaving the team 13th in the league with two wins from their first five games.

Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross will manage Stoke in a caretaker capacity for their upcoming Carabao Cup match against Fleetwood. However, the club hopes to finalize Pelach’s appointment before their Friday fixture against Hull.

Reflecting on the managerial change, Walters explained: “After discussions with chairman John Coates, we believe it’s the right time for a new direction. We have a young squad eager to grow, and a clear vision for success. We aim to announce a new manager soon.”