Stoke boss Mark Hughes insists he is pleased with fans' anger as it could bring players 'out of our own bubble'

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Mark Hughes believes Stoke fans’ angry confrontation with players and management following Saturday’s 5-1 defeat by Tottenham might be useful in motivating the team.

The squad travelled back from London on the same train as many supporters, and there were feisty scenes at Stoke station over the manner of a seventh defeat in 12 games.

Scrutiny is on Hughes again, with chairman Peter Coates admitting the coming games against Burnley and West Ham need to yield points. Stoke are three points above the drop zone in 15th.

Mark Hughes is under pressure once again following a humiliating 5-1 defeat by Tottenham

The 54-year-old manager’s position is not under immediate threat but defeat at Burnley on Tuesday would raise the importance of Saturday’s fixture against West Ham.

There has been a febrile atmosphere among supporters this season and that translated to fury when dozens made their views clear after the collapse against Spurs.

‘It was expected, we didn’t play well,’ said Hughes. ‘But we just had to front it up. It was a little bit emotional, clearly. I think it could possibly be a good thing.

Stoke fans look on before the Premier League match against Tottenham on Saturday

'Sometimes we’re accused as managers, coaches, players, of being in our own little bubble and sometimes you have to be exposed to the genuine feeling of the fans. Maybe some players hadn’t confronted that before — but sometimes you need to understand how our results and performances affect people. 

‘It’s good we have a game because it is still fresh in the mind, fresh in their ears probably, and can be used as a motivating factor. Don’t allow people to have an opportunity to question you. You either suck it up and do something about it or you go under, and we can’t accept players like that. I don’t feel we have players like that.’

Hughes insisted he can take any criticism that comes his way.

‘There’s been an undercurrent since I’ve been here,’ he said. ‘On the day I was appointed there was a car outside the stadium with “Hughes out” written on it. That was before I even got here! 

'But I understand it — some people won’t like you or your teams, your picks, your substitutions, some don’t like your hair or the way you speak. You can’t take exception to it, I’m the public face of the team so I have to take the brunt of it.’

Stoke suffered their seventh defeat in 12 games at Wembley on Saturday afternoon