Former Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has voiced his disappointment at how long the club has remained in the Championship without challenging for promotion. Begovic's comments came in an exclusive interview this week, as Stoke sit 13th in the table with six points from five games.
Stoke's current league position shows two wins and three losses, with eight goals scored and nine conceded. They are five points behind early leaders Swansea City as they prepare for their next Championship fixture away to Watford on September 12th. You can track their progress in the standings throughout the season.
What did Asmir Begovic say about Stoke City?
In his interview, Begovic was clear about his feelings regarding his former club's situation. "Stoke City is a club of huge size, with the tradition and the fan base, where everything is there for them to be a Premier League club," he stated. "The fact that they've been in the Championship for so many years and not really challenging for the top is disappointing."
Begovic's assessment comes as Stoke navigate another season in England's second tier. Their start to the 2026-27 campaign has been mixed, with the team showing a negative goal difference of minus one. The club's current squad details are available on our squad page for the latest player information.
How long have Stoke City been in the Championship?
Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League in 2018 after a ten-year stay in the top flight. Since that demotion, the club has failed to finish in the top half of the Championship table even once. They have also not reached the promotion playoffs in any of the eight seasons following their Premier League exit.
This extended period in the second division stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of other clubs. Hull City and Coventry City both achieved promotion to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season. Ipswich Town completed a remarkable consecutive rise from League One to the Premier League in the seasons prior to the current campaign.
What is Stoke City's current situation?
The Potters began the 2026-27 season with just three points from their opening four matches, leaving them in 22nd place at the time of Begovic's interview. Their form has improved slightly since, moving them up to 13th position. Their recent sequence of results reads as two wins followed by three losses.
Managerial changes, squad overhauls, and various strategies have been attempted without returning the club to the Premier League. The upcoming match against 17th-placed Watford represents another opportunity to build momentum. Fans can view the full fixtures list for the remainder of the season.
Why does this assessment matter now?
Begovic's comments resonate because they come from a player who experienced Stoke's most successful modern period, including an FA Cup final appearance in 2011. His perspective highlights the growing gap between the club's potential and its recent achievements. The interview serves as a public reminder of the expectations surrounding a club with Stoke's infrastructure and support.
The club's immediate focus will be on securing a positive result at Vicarage Road against Watford on September 12th to continue climbing the Championship table.
