Stoke City defender Eric Bocat has declared his readiness to fill any role required by manager Mark Robins this season. The 27-year-old Frenchman made this commitment after scoring his first goal for the club in Saturday's 2-1 Championship defeat to Swansea City.
Bocat found the net in the tenth minute at the bet365 Stadium, giving Stoke an early lead that they ultimately could not hold. The versatile player started both of Stoke's opening matches this campaign, continuing his involvement from last season where he made 21 league starts.
What did Eric Bocat say about his role?
Speaking to reporters this week, Bocat emphasized his team-first mentality. "When the team needs me, I will be here and always answer the call," the defender stated. He explained that even if his starting position changes, his commitment remains constant. "I just keep going, keep working."
Bocat's attitude reflects the squad depth Mark Robins is building at Stoke City. The manager has options across the pitch as he looks to improve on last season's 17th place finish. You can view the complete roster on our squad page.
How has Bocat performed for Stoke City?
The French defender joined Stoke last summer and has become a reliable presence in the back line. His opening day goal against Swansea marked a personal milestone in his 25th appearance for the club across all competitions. Bocat's versatility allows him to operate in multiple defensive positions, providing Robins with tactical flexibility.
Stoke's defensive record last season saw them concede 61 goals in 46 Championship matches. Improving that defensive solidity will be important for their ambitions this campaign. The current standings show Stoke seeking their first points after the opening day setback.
What's next for Stoke City?
Mark Robins' side travels to face Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday, August 22nd. This presents another challenging early season fixture against a team recently relegated from the Premier League. Stoke will be looking to bounce back immediately from their opening day disappointment.
The match kicks off at 3pm BST as part of the Championship's second round of fixtures. Fans can check all upcoming matches on our comprehensive fixtures schedule. Southampton finished fourth in the Championship last season, reaching the playoff final before losing to Leeds United.
Bocat's team-first approach exemplifies the mentality Robins wants throughout his squad. "Everyone is important to the team - if you're starting, on the bench or not called up for the team, you need to be ready," the defender added in his BBC Radio Stoke interview. This philosophy will be tested throughout a demanding 46-game Championship season.
Stoke City's next home match comes against Middlesbrough on August 29th, following their trip to the south coast. The club has made several summer signings to strengthen the squad, though none were mentioned in Bocat's interview. Supporters can track player availability on our injuries page throughout the campaign.
Eric Bocat remains under contract with Stoke City until June 2027, giving him three more seasons at the bet365 Stadium.
