The Rams boss admitted they couldn't cope with the visitors and believes it is going to be a tough season.
“I’ve said before that it was going to be a difficult season and that’s the way it is," said Burley.
Burley disappointed with opening day defeat
“The squad is thin on the ground and we’re going to have to work hard.
“It was very disappointing, we came into today’s game after a good performance against Real Mallorca.
“It was a completely different game today, Stoke had three big strikers up front and their physical presence caused us problems.”