Stoke City manager Mark Robins says owner John Coates has set his sights on a top-eight finish this season, and the head coach insists his squad must have the attitude to match that ambition.
According to BBC News, Robins is demanding a group of players willing to "run through brick walls" as Stoke look to push back up the Championship table after a disappointing period for the club. The comments suggest Robins is using pre-season to instil a tougher mentality within the squad, aware that ownership expectations have been raised heading into the new campaign.
While Coates' top-eight target represents a clear statement of intent from the club's hierarchy, Robins' emphasis on character and resilience indicates he sees mentality, not just quality, as key to closing the gap on the division's leading sides. Stoke will be hoping the right blend of attitude and personnel can finally deliver the progress their owner is demanding.