Paul Lambert urges Stoke players to build on Huddersfield win: ‘We shouldn't be in this position’

Stoke City manager Paul Lambert believes the club’s players are much better than their current position in the Premier League suggests.

Lambert, who replaced Mark Hughes in charge of the Potters, tasted victory in his first match as goals from Joe Allen and Mame Diouf helped them beat Huddersfield 2-0 at the Bet365 Stadium.

The win lifted Stoke out of the relegation zone – until Sunday at least – with Lambert positive about the players at his disposal.

“There's a lot of quality. We shouldn't be in the position we're in,” Lambert said.

“The lads know for whatever reason they've been underperforming but big compliments to them they were fantastic.

“I am delighted for the players and supporters. That was my main concern from the moment I came to the club. That they bounced off each other.

“You can’t hear yourself shout out there at certain moments because of the level of noise. I thought they were brilliant from start to finish. Everything about it. I couldn’t ask for any more.”

Lambert appeared animated on the touchline throughout and wildly celebrated Stoke’s goals.

It had been precisely 1,075 days since he had been in the dugout in English football’s top flight, and he acknowledged it was good to be back.

“I am tried,” said the Scot. “You wonder why you come back into it sometimes but that's the way I am.

“I was enjoying my life last weekend and then you come back into this. But I wouldn't change it for the world.”

Stoke kept their first clean sheet in 14 matches, and only their third of the season, against the Terriers and Lambert recognised the significance of their defensive display.

“The most important thing was to get the players working harder than they had been,” Lambert added.

“I think that was important. We had to get it. If we won 2-1 or 3-1 and conceded so be it. It’s pleasing to get a clean sheet, absolutely, for the back lads.

“I don’t think we were threatened at all. I thought the whole team composure wise was excellent.”

Huddersfield manager David Wagner could not fault the effort of his players even though his side failed to really test Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland.

And the German urged them to lift themselves for the games to come even though they have lost three on the bounce.

“Stoke had showed their top quality even if they haven’t been in the best position,” he said.

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“They were aggressive and limited our offensive game. We tried our best. I was pleased with the attitude. Even if we were not able to hurt Stoke because they were aggressive and denied us space.

“We will keep cool heads. Everybody knows exactly what circumstances we try to compete in the Premier League.

“Now we have a period where we haven’t won in the six games. We like to change that as quick as we can.

“We have to accept where we are in the table. It's only us who can change it. We have fought since the first day of the season and, even though we have now six games with only three points, we know we have to collect more points to survive.”