Etebo is playing just ahead of Lasse Sorensen in something like a 4-1-2-3. Full of energy. He's going to be loved. https://t.co/85BGvKtLQq pic.twitter.com/kRLY0DpkrF
— Pete Smith (@PeteSmith1983) July 18, 2018
Stoke City fell to defeat in their pre-season game with VfL Bochum in Germany on Wednesday evening.
The German side ran out 2-0 winners but they had been back together as a unit for a week longer than the Potters had been.
VfL were playing their fifth game of the pre-season warms ups and looked to be a lot more organised and fitter than Gary Rowett’s men who were playing their first game in Germany.
But the Potters did have their moments with Giannelli Imbula firing over the bar early on when he should maybe have done better. But he was only on the field after coming on early doors to replace Charlie Adam who went off injured and he had quite a good game.
Geoff Cameron, Joe Allen, and Bojan were also finding their way nice and steadily but it was VfL who took the lead in the 24th minute through Janelt.
Federici proved his worth in goal before the opener pulling off good saves to keep the German side at bay.
The Stoke players did plenty of running but showed very little in the way of clear-cut chances in front of goal during the first half.
And as the half drew to a close, Stoke’s opponents conjured up a second goal, Janelt taking advantage of a static defence to grab his second.
In the final twenty minutes, Gary Rowett made a whole host of changes to the playing staff on the field but apart from a penalty shout, Stoke didn’t look like getting back into the game.
That was until there was the chance to see the first glimpse of Etebo, who settled in well and he was unlucky not to have got his first goal in a Stoke shirt when he let fly at goal from 25 yards, the effort was just wide of the target.
Stoke City: Federici; Bauer (Edwards 70), Shawcross (Sweeney 70), Martins Indi (Souttar 70), Pieters (Tymon 70); Cameron (Sorensen 46), Adam (Imbula 3); Bojan (Campbell 70), Allen (Etebo 70), Choupo-Moting (Berahino 70); Afobe (Crouch 70).
Subs: Bursik, Haugaard, Fletcher.
Same old defensive frailties and lack of creation. We need wingers
— LeeG (@leeg1972) July 18, 2018
Although it’s a friendly that’s just embarrassing
— Ryan (@SorensenSZN) July 18, 2018
Wolves fan in peace, seen a few comments about the result. It’s pre-season it’s not about the result although it helps obviously. Last season we lost 2-0 to Shrewsbury and I thought we were going down, look how that panned out ????
— Steven C (@StevenCater9) July 18, 2018
Here's the real test for me now. Will Rowett come out and highlight the issues objectively. Or, will he do an impersonation of Mrs Doubtfire and scratch his head and blame everyone else but himself and his players.
— mark jackson (@marcusfcott) July 18, 2018
Rowett OUT
— Brandon Hilton (@brandonhilton_) July 18, 2018
Anyone criticising us for a P/S defeat knows nothing about football. Unless it’s Mark Hughes then of course you’re spot on
— Sean (@SeanStokie) July 18, 2018
Preseason counts for nothing. It’s all a fitness building program. Anyone upset with this needs to take a good look at themselves.
— Dave Mong (@Mongy17) July 18, 2018
