Lambert eyes great escape with iron rule
PAUL LAMBERT’S ‘iron’ rule is the key to unruly Stoke’s relegation Great Escape.
The struggling Potters have been plagued with disciplinary problems ever since Lambert replaced Mark Hughes at the Bet365 Stadium in January.
But the determined Scot hopes the tough regime he’s imposed to raise standards will ultimately save the club from the drop, starting with a much-needed win at West Ham tomorrow night.
“I came here with 15 games to go, but it’s throughout the whole season which ultimately sees where you end up,” stressed Lambert (right). “There’s no doubt staying up would be a great achievement.
“You need a little bit of luck, but performances have been incredibly high. I couldn’t ask any more from the team, they’ve been excellent.
“Everybody has been great, the chairman and the club. I couldn’t ask for any more support. As long as we keep that belief we’ve got a chance.” However, the Potters’ cause has not been helped by Paris Saint Germain loan striker Jese Rodriguez not returning to training this week having been given compassionate leave to care for his poorly baby boy in Spain.
He has not played since the club’s 2-1 home defeat to Everton last month and it is unlikely he will ever play for the club again.
Fellow frontman Saido Berahino has been reprimanded for poor time keeping on numerous occasions and forced to train with the club’s reserve team.
Lambert confirmed both players will not feature in the London Stadium clash. To add to his turmoils, midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is poised to have his contract terminated by mutual consent having failed to toe the party line and defender Erik Pieters was fined £70,000 for breaking a club curfew.
With five games left the Potters are four points adrift of safety and have an inferior goal difference to all of their relegation rivals. But Lambert insisted: “Anything can still happen. It could go right to the wire.”