Mark Robins Navigates Player Dynamics as Stoke City Manager

Mark Robins has been at the helm of Stoke City for ten months, transitioning from head coach to manager. His role has expanded significantly, especially in managing player dynamics and maintaining team performance. Former player Jon Walters succinctly noted, “I think Mark’s befitting of a manager, isn’t he?”

As the second half of the last season approached, Robins faced the challenge of integrating key players returning from injury. His decisions during this period were crucial for ensuring Stoke’s survival in the Championship. Now, he is confronted with a different challenge: managing a squad brimming with talent but also diverse individual circumstances.

Lamine Cisse, Tomas Rigo, and Robert Bozenik are newcomers to the Championship, while Jamie Donley is making his entrance after a standout season in League One. Ben Pearson has struggled with game time, having not played 30 league matches in a season since 2020. Tatsuki Seko recently completed an extensive campaign across two continents, and Steven Nzonzi had not played since May before joining Stoke late in pre-season. Additionally, Ashley Phillips and Maksym Talovierov missed much of pre-season, complicating the manager’s task.

Robins must make strategic decisions that balance short-term performance with long-term player development. He emphasized the importance of timing, stating, “You have to utilise the squad for obvious reasons… People become fatigued, people get injured, people are ill, and the games and fixtures don’t stop.” This balancing act is essential for maximizing points while preparing the squad for upcoming challenges.

In a media briefing ahead of the match against Bristol City, Robins expressed the necessity of keeping players engaged. “If the team is doing well and playing better… when they look like they’re training right, clearly they can go in and they should go in because that inevitably lifts levels both individually and the team as well,” he stated.

The manager is aware that player morale can fluctuate, particularly when individuals are not selected for the starting lineup. “I know that if they’re not playing on a Saturday, they’re not particularly happy. They’re all players who want to play,” Robins remarked. His approach encourages healthy competition within the squad, which he views as beneficial for overall performance.

Robins acknowledged the need for patience as he continues to get to know his players. “You’ve got to see them working in this environment… sometimes they’ve got to be really patient,” he explained. He encourages players to focus and prepare for their opportunities, even when facing disappointment.

He also highlighted the strength of the current dressing room, saying, “From my point of view, I’ve got a really good dressing room but they are competitors.” This competitive spirit is essential for fostering a united team rather than a collection of individuals.

As Stoke City gears up for its match against Bristol City, Robins faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring his squad remains both competitive and cohesive. His management style emphasizes a blend of tactical awareness and a deep understanding of each player’s unique circumstances. This holistic approach could be key to Stoke City’s success as the season progresses.