Stoke City is enjoying a two-week break from Championship action, and their manager, Alex Neil, sees the team evolving into his style after a summer marked by significant changes.
With 16 players departing and 18 signings, including figures like Ben Pearson and Ki-Jana Hoever, adjustments were made on and off the pitch, affecting coaching, medical, and recruitment departments.
Despite facing challenges from August to mid-October due to a mass injury list, Neil’s approach and selection have gained consistency since the second international break.
Notably, only three starters from the recent Coventry game also started the 4-0 win in April, underscoring the extent of the team’s transformation.
Neil acknowledges the ongoing progress, particularly emphasizing the word ‘starting’ when asked if Stoke resembles his vision. He highlights the positive impact of Bae Junho, acknowledging the language barrier as they work on communication.
Neil emphasizes the team’s strength with key players like Tye Campbell and last season’s Player of the Season, Ben Wilmot, set to return, with Wilmot expecting to be in contention for selection around Christmas after recovering from a knee injury sustained on October 3.
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