Robert Bozenik expresses significant improvement in his performance since entering English football, as he strives to become the “number one” striker for Stoke City. The Slovakia forward joined the Potters last summer on a three-year deal from Portuguese second division side FC Boavista but encountered a challenging debut season due to a shoulder injury at the start of 2026.

After netting his first goal in a 1-0 victory over Hull on New Year’s Day, Bozenik suffered a subsequent shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for nearly four months.

He returned to the squad for three additional matches, starting the final home game of the 2025-26 season against Portsmouth.

Bozenik described his inaugural season with the Potters as a rollercoaster ride. “I learned a lot since last season – the last 12 months was quite up and down with the injury,” he said in an interview with BBC Radio Stoke. “I came to a new league, new team, new club [and] there’s a learning process. I was learning a lot that English football, especially the Championship, is a really tough competition and you need to know what to expect, how you need to react, where you need to run.”

He further stated that upon arriving at the bet365 Stadium, his desire was to “score goals every game,” but he soon recognized that such an expectation was “impossible.” “You need to take this process and it is a lot of up and downs but I have improved a lot of things from last season,” he added. “I’m stronger, I’m fitter and I’m smarter than before. I want to be the number one striker and the decision is always on the manager, so my job is just to work hard and show him my qualities.”

Bozenik working on ‘moments in the box’

Despite scoring only once in 22 Championship appearances, Bozenik believes he does not face additional pressure this season. He emphasized that setting a target of 20 goals for the term “does not help me.”

“You need to be relaxed, to be calm. I want to be part of the success, I want to be part of this team who has achieved really big goals,” he stated. “If my wingers score 20 goals and we will be promoted to the Premier League, I really don’t care. If I score the goals and they have assist numbers and the team will be successful that will be even better.”

To achieve his goals, Bozenik has been working closely with Potters boss Mark Robins to enhance what he refers to as “moments in the box.” He remarked, “I learned a lot of things. A lot of conversation with the manager – a lot of videos. It’s a process you need to learn, it’s not that easy.” He noted the importance of knowing where to run, understanding potential ball trajectories, and anticipating the wingers’ actions.

“I think I’ve improved a lot in these things in the box. I’m working hard every day to be the best possible version of myself and I’m 100% sure I’m getting there.”