Stoke City have confirmed the appointment of Narcis Pelach as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
The 36-year-old, who previously had spells with Girona, Huddersfield and Norwich among others, succeeds Steven Schumacher in the hot seat.
Pelach will be assisted by Dean Whitehead and Paul Clements in the dugout, with performance analyst Harrison Glew also joining the club.
Sporting director Jon Walters told the club site: “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.”
The Potters currently sit 13th in the Championship table and have won two of their opening five matches. Stoke are back in action this weekend when they host Hull City.
The new boss added: “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 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.”
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