Pulis- We can cope with Europe

Last updated : 20 August 2011 By Team Talk

 

 

 

 

The first real test of their ability to cope with the additional demands provided by the Europa League arrives this weekend when the Potters face Norwich at Carrow Road.

The squad trained on Friday morning in Switzerland following Thursday night's 1-0 victory over FC Thun and will then fly straight to Norwich ahead of Sunday's clash.

If Stoke hold onto their advantage over Thun in the home leg next week, they will secure a passage through to the group stages of the competition, meaning a minimum of six more matches, three of them away.

The Staffordshire club began the league season in promising fashion with a 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea and, although Pulis admitted he would have preferred that match to be away and this weekend's at home, he is determined Europe can be much more than just a distraction.

The Welshman said: "It is a difficult one for us because Norwich is such a long way from Stoke and it would be ridiculous to come back in and sit on a bus for four or five hours.

"We would have loved to have played Chelsea away and then had two home games on the back of this match in Europe.

"To come back and then go away is very difficult but we want to be in it (the Europa League) and be successful and want to move the club forward, and when you are doing that you have to take what comes.

"I think we have to embrace it and put ourselves in a position where we say, 'We want more of it' - that is the aim of the club to keep pushing on."

Pulis rested the likes of Asmir Begovic, Jonathan Woodgate and Jermaine Pennant for yesterday's match, and he was particularly pleased with the performances of his fringe players.

Danny Pugh scored the only goal while Diego Arismendi and Michael Tonge also impressed, but most encouraging for Pulis was the presence of Matthew Upson in the starting line-up.

The England defender joined the club earlier this month after running down his contract at West Ham and has been working hard to build his fitness levels.

Pulis told Stoke's official website: "This is a bit like Woody (Woodgate) in that we highlighted a game when we thought he would come in, and we are very pleased with his performance.

"He was very tired at the end as he has not had a proper pre-season, so to get him through 90 minutes on Astroturf is especially pleasing.

"I am delighted for Danny. It was a great strike and a number of other players like Arismendi have seized the chance to play their part too. That shows yet again the spirit and togetherness which we have within this squad."

Pulis must now decide whether Upson will play any part in Sunday's game, which Rory Delap is a doubt for as he continues to battle a hamstring problem.

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk