“Did Leeds deserves the win?”- Furious Stoke City manager Mark Robins delivered clear ‘good hiding’ verdict as Stoke City stay in dog fight amid Leeds 6-0 defeat
A furious Mark Robins didn’t hold back after watching Stoke City suffer a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Leeds United, admitting his side looked “frightened to death” during a performance that leaves their Championship survival still uncertain.
Stoke remain just four points clear of the relegation zone with two matches left to play, after being torn apart at Elland Road by a dominant Leeds side surging toward Premier League promotion in emphatic fashion.
Joel Piroe scored four goals in a blistering first half that left Stoke—unbeaten in five prior to this game—staggered and shell-shocked.
Robins was visibly livid post-match, but emphasized the need to refocus quickly with a crucial home fixture against Sheffield United coming up on Friday night at 8pm.
“We didn’t show up at all,” Robins said. “From the first whistle, we looked terrified. We need to put this behind us as fast as possible.
This press conference will be the last we mention it. We need to concentrate on the next game, our final home match, and actually turn up for it.
“It’s given me plenty to think about. It was hugely disappointing. That’s my take.”
Robins didn’t mince words when assessing the team’s performance.
“We didn’t compete. We looked nothing like the side we’ve been in recent weeks. Everyone was let down. That display isn’t acceptable—not from my team, and not from any Stoke City team.
“It’s frustrating, but we have to move on. Every match matters right now.
“It’s one thing to lose a game, but you have to go down fighting. We didn’t even lay a glove on them. From the start, we gave them too much room, failed to track runners, didn’t compete. Nothing.
“We got exactly what we deserved—a real hammering.”
With Cardiff’s draw against Oxford ensuring they can no longer catch Stoke, the Potters are now focused on the teams still within striking distance:
Luton and Derby County both sit on 46 points, Hull are on 48, and both Preston and Oxford are on 49. Stoke currently have 50 points and face Derby away on the final day.
Asked whether his players had mentally switched off after their recent unbeaten run, Robins responded: “We’ll see.
There are still two games left. Maybe one or two looked exhausted and in need of rest—but that’s no excuse.
We played the same lineup as last time, and they had more recovery time than us… but again, no excuses.
“They were miles better than us. They’ve been better all season. But to come here and not even try to compete—that’s what hurts. I don’t want to see that again.”
