Stoke City boss Nathan Jones has claimed he likes being under pressure as his side target their first Championship win of the season against Nottingham Forest this evening.

The Potters have endured a highly disappointing start to their Championship campaign and find themselves 23rd in the table, having failed to seal a single victory in their eight league matches this season.

Jones' side also crashed out of the Carabao Cup in midweek following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Crawley Town, which has put the Welshman under considerable pressure ahead of Forest's visit to the bet365 Stadium.

The 46-year-old managed to hold on to his job following the embarrassing defeat against League Two opposition, but Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has claimed Jones feels tonight's clash is "crucial to his future".

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Forest match, Jones has now insisted he likes the pressure that has come with the Stoke job and says he knows that he hasn't taken any easy job.

"I've taken [a job] where the pressure is to win every game, but I like that pressure and enjoy that pressure," he said.

"That's why I do my job. Otherwise, I'd go back to Wales and live happily ever after and see all my mates, but that's not the life I want."

The Verdict

Few could have predicted how poor Stoke have been at the start of this season, and it is now reaching the make-or-break stage for Jones with his side desperate for three points against Forest this evening.

Another defeat might well be enough for Jones to lose his job at the bet365 Stadium, so it is crucial he thrives under this pressure and uses it to help his side gain a much-needed victory.

Jones cuts a determined figure in this interview with Sky Sports and you really get the impression he won't give up without a fight, but I think Forest could be too strong for Stoke tonight.

Sabri Lamouchi's side are unbeaten while playing away in the league this season despite having played some difficult sides, so you would expect Forest to get the victory against a Stoke side low in confidence.