NARCIS Pelach says he's left Norwich for Stoke because he could sense the "passion" and desire to embrace a new identity at the Bet365 Stadium.

Middlesbrough and Sunderland's Championship rivals appointed the Spaniard after sacking Steven Schumacher earlier this week.

Pelach leaves Norwich, where he was first-team coach, to take on the top job at the Bet365 Stadium - and will face Boro at the Riverside in his second game a week on Saturday.

Pelach began his coaching career in Spain before joining Huddersfield in the summer of 2020 as assistant to Carlos Corberan.

He had two brief spells as interim head coach of the Terriers, most recently in February 2023, then joined Norwich last May.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The 36-year-old has signed a three-year contract and he said on stokecityfc.com: “I feel a great excitement and sense of responsibility to Stoke City and can’t thank (chair) John Coates and (sporting director) Jon Walters enough for giving me this opportunity.

“I’ve had other chances to become a head coach in England and in other countries but, once I saw in their eyes how passionate they are about the club and how much they want to embrace a different identity and philosophy, I could not refuse and, once I’m in, I’m all in.

“I know the league, I know the opposition and I already know about our players. The level of the squad is good. I believe in them and I will create a playing style that suits their qualities.

“If we get it right and do something together that owners, players, supporters and staff emotionally believe in, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

Coach Paul Clements and performance analyst Harrison Glew are also leaving Norwich to join Pelach in the Potteries.

Walters said: “Across the extensive dialogue I’ve had across football, including at the highest levels of the game, Narcis is one of the most respected and sought-after coaches around.

“There is no doubt in our minds that Narcis will enjoy a successful career as a head coach and are excited to give him the opportunity to make that a reality at Stoke City.”