Stoke City have sacked manager Narcis Pelach after just 19 games in charge.

The former Norwich coach was appointed in September at the age of 36, but won just three of his 18 league games in the Championship.

A 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at home by Leeds left his side sitting in 19th place in the table, just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Stoke City have parted company with Head Coach Narcís Pèlach.

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 27, 2024

Sporting director Jon Walters told the club’s official website: “Narcis is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.

“However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.

“I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.

“Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the club.”

The Potters, who have lost five of their last six league games and drawn the other, are yet to announce the make-up of their coaching team for Sunday’s game against high-flying Sunderland.