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Cape Town - Mark
Hughes is confident of coming through a difficult period with Stoke to
turn their season around - with the backing of the club's board.
Hughes' tenure at the club came under intense scrutiny following the 7-2 hammering by Manchester City last weekend.
Having finally won a game, in beating Southampton 2-1 (before the international break) after a run of two draws and two losses in the league, it was a shock to Stoke supports to see their side ripped apart.
After eight games, Hughes finds his side in 17th place with just eight points.
The former Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers manager took over at Stoke in the 2013/14 season and led the club to three consecutive ninth-placed finishes in the Premier League, ahead of ending in 13th spot last term.
But ahead of facing Bournemouth at home on Saturday, Hughes says he has the full support of the club's board to continue his work with Stoke.
He said: "What we have here are owners who understand football and who understand there isn't a straight line between success and failure.
"We didn't perform anywhere near what we know we are capable of, however, we came up against a side at the very top of their game.
"We're not in denial. We didn't perform how we would have liked. We will learn from the match, but I'm sure we won't be the last going up against Man City at the moment to find it difficult."
Hughes continued: "We've come through a very difficult period and now we face a better set of fixtures and have an opportunity to climb the table.
"We are only one win away from the top 10. It's very early days and we are positive going into the rest of the season.
"We should look forward to our next set of fixtures and aim to pick up maximum points from them."
