Lambert: Stoke too good to go down

Cape Town - New Stoke City manager Paul Lambert feels the talent is there in his squad to stave off relegation in the final 15 games of the Premier League season.

The Potters have been sucked into the relegation mire after picking up just two wins in their last 10 league outings, a poor run that ultimately cost Mark Hughes his job.

Lambert was appointed as Hughes' successor on Monday ahead of their clash with Manchester United, who ran out 3-0 victors at Old Trafford with the Scot watching from the stands.

Lambert's side had the better chances in the first half, but found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break, and the 48-year-old believes he has the quality at his disposal to turn things around - if they can stop shipping in so many goals.

"They've got more than enough. They shouldn't be in the position they're in, but the reality is they are," he said.

"There are some really talented footballers here. If they can get the togetherness and the spirit here then that will take us a long way, along with the support the club generates.

"As a team we have to do better and stop conceding goals. I don't think it's just the defence, I think it's collective. We win together and lose together.

"Going forward I think we're really good. Without the ball we need to be a little bit better, a bit more aggressive without it, and close people down a little bit quicker."