Use fans' anger as inspiration says Stoke's Mark Hughes after squad are confronted at station following Spurs hammering
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Mark Hughes has demanded his shellshocked Stoke City players use an ear-bashing by angry fans to motivate them.
Up to 200 supporters confronted the team at Stoke railway station on ­Saturday night after the 5-1 drubbing at Tottenham, many chanting, ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’.
Boss Hughes reckons the flak was worth it if they can use it to inspire them to bounce back against ­Burnley on Tuesday.
“That is still resonating. It’s good we have a game because it is still fresh in their ears probably, and they can use it as a motivating factor,” said Hughes.
“Don’t let it make you insular or go into your shell. Don’t allow people to have an opportunity to question you.
“You do that by playing well — getting the right results.
“There could be individuals who haven’t experienced it before, but they have now, so they can use it.
(Image: Reuters)
“You either suck it up and do ­something about it or you go under, and we can’t accept players like that. I don’t feel we have players like that.”
Hughes believes the players seeing such fury close up could be the making of them.
“Maybe some hadn’t ­confronted that before – but sometimes you need a reality check, and understand how our results and ­performances affect people,” he said.
“When people criticise you, you have to grow a thick skin in this industry. If you don’t, you’re in the wrong place.”
Chairman Peter Coates has warned Stoke face ‘two big games’, with West Ham at home on Saturday.
Hughes, who has been in charge since May 2013, admits he can’t afford to think long term.
The Welshman added: “You just have to work in the here and now, which is what I do.”