Stoke City assistant manager Mark Bowen has revealed that the Potters are being encouraged to change their direct style of play next season.
The Staffordshire outfit are known for playing the ball from their defence to a target man, but Bowen has admitted that he and new manager Mark Hughes are hoping that the players will grow in confidence in playing the ball out in a more patient manner.
The 49-year-old told Sky Sports News: "We want the players to know they can play the ball, that mistakes will be made, but that we won't come down on them like a ton of bricks every time.
"It's a question of building up their confidence. We are going out onto the training field to try and put things into practice."
Hughes and Bowen have arrived at the Britannia Stadium after Tony Pulis left the club at the end of last season.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
