City boss pleased with performance, especially in the first-half
Manager explains the requirement for patience with new signings
Neil confirms Ben Pearson missed friendly as a precautionary measure

Alex Neil believes his side displayed some positive passages of play, especially in the first-half, as the Potters’ pre-season schedule concluded against Everton at the bet365 Stadium.

Neil handed minutes to nine of his summer signings with City’s manager confirming that midfielder Ben Pearson missed out against the Toffees as a precautionary measure.

Amadou Onana’s close-range finish in the 95th minute was the difference in terms of the result, though the Potters’ boss was pleased with aspects of his side’s performance, not least their control of the game.

“We played some really nice stuff in the first-half and our movements and rotations in terms of getting up the pitch were good,” Neil explained.

“It is difficult when you are incorporating so many new players but I thought they got a good grasp of us controlling the game.

“I thought we were the better team in the first-half, in terms of controlling the ball, and we got into some good areas but probably needed to be a little bit more patient in and around the edge of the box.

“I thought our structure and system were very good in the first-half but we missed that final little bit to punish when we won the ball the in those vital areas, and probably chose the wrong option on a couple of occasions.

“You could see some good combinations, you could see what we are trying to do in the game and I thought we did parts of it really well.

“I still think there are other bits that we need to brush up on but for large spells, against a Premier League side, we looked good.”

City signed forwards Ryan Mmaee and Wesley on Friday, with both featuring for the final half hour, while Andre Vidigal – who also finalised his transfer to the Potters in the last week – made his first appearance at the bet365 Stadium. Trialist Josh Onomah also featured, having played 45 minutes at Burton Albion on Tuesday.

“After 60 minutes, we brought four lads on and they have only had one session with us or in the case of Ryan Mmaee, he has joined us this morning and we have chucked him in at the deep end, which isn’t easy.

“Andre Vidigal has only had one session, Wesley has had one session yesterday so it is really difficult to judge and we do need to be patient with the lads that are coming in, particularly the lads that arrive from foreign countries because it is not just the football that is different for them, it is the culture and settling into the environment.

“We need to give them time to get settled and hopefully they showcase what they have got.”

Neil says he will use the early part of next week to allow City’s new signings the chance to integrate into the group in in-house matches before preparations step up for the Championship opener against Rotherham United.

“We will try to get the new lads incorporated this week, try to get an understanding of what they are and what they are not, what their strengths are and what me maybe need to mask for them because every player has got those traits,” Neil continued.

“The early part of the week will be letting them express themselves in 11v11s and letting them play so I can see what they can do.

“As the week develops, we’ll certainly start building up to Rotherham and get a team in our mind in terms of who is going to start and how we are going to perform.”

Neil on encouraging signs and new player patience following final pre-season friendly