Robins wants adaptable Stoke ahead of summer work
Mark Robins has identified adaptability as a key area for Stoke City to develop, with the Potters boss looking beyond the final home game of the season.
Stoke host Portsmouth this weekend, with Robins expecting a difficult test against a competitive and well-drilled side despite Pompey’s recent heavy defeat at Coventry City.
The Stoke manager believes his side must become better at recognising different moments in matches, particularly when opponents force them away from their preferred rhythm.
“Sometimes you have to adapt. That adaptability is sometimes difficult when you’re in a rhythm. So players have got to be adaptable against a team that is competitive and well drilled and have got some quality there as well.
“They’ve changed quite a bit in terms of personnel. They’ve got a lot of experience and they’ve got some real competitors in there. The first thing you have to do in any game is compete with that, match that if not surpass it.
“It’s something for me to look at going forward.”
Robins pointed to previous matches where Stoke had managed to adjust successfully, but said the challenge now is to make that a more consistent part of their game.
“There are a lot of things to look at, look back at and think what was really good and what we need to do but we will stick to my principles generally but you have to play what the game gives you.
“That’s the biggest thing. If something is happening in a game, you can plan for something but if they’ve planned to combat it then you have to overcome that too. The ability to see it and do it is important.
“You have to be adaptable and that might be something we can look at during the summer ready for the next season.”
Comments Welcome!