Oghenekaro Etebo’s coach reveals why Stoke lost to Birmingham

Stoke City gave up a second half lead to eventually lose 2-1 away to Birmingham City, leaving Nathan Jones hurt and disappointed about his team’s performance.

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo was on the pitch from start to finish but even his best efforts couldn’t save the Potters from defeat, their fifth loss in 6 matches.

With his team now sat at the bottom of the Championships table, coach Nathan Jones has admitted that things simply have to change.

Speaking to Stoke City Plus following the encounter, a clearly disappointed Jones said: “It’s not good enough, once again, and things have to change.

“For long parts of the game we were the better side, we had more possession, created better opportunities, hit the post, score a good goal.

“But then, for whatever reason, there is a mentality switch – the game changed the moment we scored the goal to go in front.

“We showed the lads everything to expect from Birmingham, and they go and score a goal which is identical to the ones we have been showing them all week leading into the game.”

“We changed shape, had players in their favoured positions but it was the same outcome – it was a really lacklustre first half in truth.

“We were a lot brighter after the break, by far the better side and then when we got ourselves in front the whole complexion of the game changed – and I don’t understand why!

“It is frustrating, incredibly frustrating, but all we can do is keep working and try to turn this around – we are in a difficult place at the moment and we have to find a way of getting out of it.”

He added: “We have two weeks now, the lads will get a bit of down time to clear their heads, but then when they come back we have to iron all of these things out and start to turn our season around.

“It is hurting us all, and believe me, it is really hurting me – but we have to keep fighting.”