We need to get over ourselves - Pelach

Stoke City boss Narcis Pelach says his side need to keep positive after a string of tight games has seen them on a three match losing streak.

The second half seems particularly tricky for the Potters, who have conceded almost double the number of goals after the half-time whistle as in the first half, with just nine before and 17 after the break in 20 Championship games so far.

Ahead of Cardiff City's visit on Saturday, Pelach told his players they cannot dwell on their past results.

"We cannot feel sorry for ourselves - I don't want this in my game - so we need to get over ourselves," Pelach told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Sometimes through losses, you can find opportunities to learn and improve things for the future. And this is what I'm doing."

Stoke's average age for their matchday squads is the second youngest in the Championship behind only Sunderland.

And while the Potters manager knows his side lack seasoned veterans, he believes that his own experience as a young manager at 36 proves they can still compete.

"I've had to fight for everything in my life. I'm used to fighting, nothing has come easy," Pelach added.

"My mentality is there, I know how to live this profession and I want to explain this to my players as well.

"We can be young. I just want courage, I want passion, I want love and I want energy. Step by step, I'm sure we will get there."