Former Stoke City boss Lou Macari admitted he wasn't surprised to see that the current group were accused of lacking fight in the weekend defeat at Millwall and revealed his concerns about the West Brom game next week.

The Potters fell to a 2-0 defeat at The Den and it was a result that was thoroughly deserved, with Nathan Jones admitting his side didn't compete.

And, speaking to Stoke-On-Trent Live, Macari hit out at the players and also raised doubts as to whether the Staffordshire outfit can beat Albion next Monday night.

"I can’t say I was particularly shocked by the comments of Nathan Jones after the Millwall defeat. He said his players lacked fight, weren’t ready and/or in the mood to battle. That kind of assessment doesn’t surprise me about the Stoke City players, or any players come to that.

"Stoke traditionally enjoyed an unbelievably good record against the Baggies, certainly during my time as manager and then when Tony Pulis was in charge. Whether it will be the same next Monday, though, I’m not so sure.

"Not just because of the question marks being raised over the Stoke lads right now, but maybe because Albion manager Slaven Bilic is the sort to demand a bit of fight from his players."

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Jones' men are currently second from bottom in the league and four points from safety, although that could be worse when they come to play Albion as it's the last fixture of the weekend.

The verdict

The way the Stoke players have been spoke about recently should have been embarrassing them but the reality is that all the comments are fair.

Any side can lose a game but to be questioning their fight and desire should never be the case.

So, the Stoke squad need to be take a good look at themselves and sort this, starting against the Baggies as their situation is growing increasingly alarming as each week passes.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.