Stoke City Manager Explains Ramadan Sobhi’s Absence
Posted on April 25, 2018 in Stoke
Stoke City manager Paul Lambert has revealed that Ramadan Sobhi has been excluded out of Premier League duties as he has to develop the defensive side of his game. The Potters are presently in a relegation scrap in 19th spot, and the Scot believes his side requires players, who are willing to put their body on the line for Premier League survival.
Ahead of the club’s game versus Manchester City, Lambert said:“I had to get him to grasp what I wanted him to do without the ball because I felt we were too open. He’s lightning quick, I think he’s strong, very strong, but he had to understand where I wanted him without the ball and that took a wee bit of time. But he’s definitely getting there. The biggest compliment I can give Ramadan is that he’s really unpredictable, which is a great asset to have.”
Prior to Lambert’s arrival, the former Al Ahly winger had featured in 16 matches for the Potters, and he had notched back-to-back goals against West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield Town during the month of December. Much has changed since then with the club parting ways with Mark Hughes following a Cup-set at the hands of Coventry City in the FA Cup.
Sobhi scored a goal during the 3-2 win for the Stoke Under 23s versus Middlesbrough earlier in the week, and Lambert has hinted that the attacker could potentially return to favour ahead of what is expected to be a difficult game against Manchester City on Monday night. The Potters have succumbed to big defeats versus the Citizens over the past few seasons, and it could be more of a damage control at the Bet365 Stadium with their goal difference currently the worst in the division. Stoke have conceded 54 goals in just 29 league matches this term.