Stoke’s Erik Pieters rallies troops ahead of Palace visit

Stoke City defender Erik Pieters has called on the squad to produce a big reaction this weekend following their 1-0 defeat to West Brom.

The Potters host Crystal Palace on Saturday and the Dutchman believes his side owes it to their supporters to come back stronger after a disappointing run of results.

He said: “We can’t ever fault our supporters because they follow us home and away in big numbers and as a team we want to repay that.

“It’s important that we start winning and controlling games, not only for ourselves but for the fans as well because we want to show them that we can grow and get better in this league.

“Our second half performance was better, but not good enough and I think this team can do much better and we certainly have to do better.”

(Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Pieters berated the Potters’ slow start and his own missed opportunity at the Hawthorns, admitting his team must improve this weekend.

“Straight after the game, you’re always disappointed if you lose and I’m more disappointed in myself that I missed a good chance,” he said.

“Yes, it’s good to get into good positions but it means nothing if you don’t score. If it goes in then we are a little happier with a draw.

“When you’re 1-0 behind you need to score to get at least a point and on Saturday we weren’t good enough.”