Pulis proud of Stoke success

Tony Pulis hailed his Stoke squad after their 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kiev secured a history-making berth in the last 32 of the Europa League.

An own-goal from Matthew Upson just before the half-hour mark put the visitors ahead at Britannia Stadium, but a late Kenwyne Jones header secured the point Stoke needed to qualify from Group E.

Stoke are unbeaten in Europe this term, and need just one point from their final game against Besiktas in Turkey to top the group.

“What we’ve done is fantastic and we’ve qualified from what I think is the toughest group,” Pulis said.

“It’s the first time this football club’s ever achieved this, so it’s another milestone and is testimony to everything we’re trying to do.”

“That’s nine games in Europe and nine games unbeaten. It’s a great, great achievement.”

“It’s very difficult for Premier League teams to play in the Europa League because you come back and every game is like a cup final.”

“You can look at other European leagues and the strength in depth isn’t as great. It’s a real struggle in that respect but we want to do well.”

“It’s the first time we’ve been in Europe for more than 30 years. I want to enjoy it, I want the supporters to enjoy it, I want everybody at the football club to enjoy it because we might not get it for a while again.”

View the original article here

Redknapp rapt, Pulis blames defence

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said his side’s football was a pleasure to watch after their 3-2 win over Stoke at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Peter Crouch responded well from his dismissal in Spurs 4-0 loss to Real Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg, by netting the opener on Saturday, before Luka Modric doubled the hosts’ advantage after 18 minutes.

Matthew Etherington pulled one back for Stoke nine minutes later, but Crouch’s second put Spurs 3-1 up until Kenwyne Jones made it 3-2 four minutes before the break.

That was where the scoring ended, however, and Redknapp lauded the quality of the game in the first-half, before insisting his men had not given up on a Champions League semi-final berth despite their heavy defeat on Tuesday.

“I just enjoyed watching the way we played that first half so much. The football was absolutely fantastic. It was a pleasure,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“They never give up Stoke. They put you under pressure and we had to hang on at times.”

“I was delighted how we played, especially in that first half.”

“We had a setback at Real Madrid, but they could have beat anybody 4-0 when you’re down to 10 men.”

“We’ve still got a game to come here on Wednesday and who knows what can happen. We’ll give it our best shot for sure.”

“You’ve always got a chance. We need to get an early goal if we can. It’s a great game to look forward to – a dream game in the last eight of the Champions League. Let’s go and give it a real go.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis felt his side let the game slip early on, but was pleased with the way his men fought the rest of the game out.

“It was a poor start,” he said. “I thought they were defending for the first 20-25 minutes just poor.”

“(They) just stood off and watched players play round us and there?s such good players at this football club and if you do that they cause you problems.”

“We?re really disappointed with the three goals we?ve conceded. Two great goals we?ve scored; Matty?s effort and Kenwyne?s were top, top draw, but we got a little bit closer in the second-half and gave them a run for their money.”

Sat 9 April, 2011

Redknapp rapt, Pulis blames defence

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said his side’s football was a pleasure to watch after their 3-2 win over Stoke at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Peter Crouch responded well from his dismissal in Spurs 4-0 loss to Real Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg, by netting the opener on Saturday, before Luka Modric doubled the hosts’ advantage after 18 minutes.

Matthew Etherington pulled one back for Stoke nine minutes later, but Crouch’s second put Spurs 3-1 up until Kenwyne Jones made it 3-2 four minutes before the break.

That was where the scoring ended, however, and Redknapp lauded the quality of the game in the first-half, before insisting his men had not given up on a Champions League semi-final berth despite their heavy defeat on Tuesday.

“I just enjoyed watching the way we played that first half so much. The football was absolutely fantastic. It was a pleasure,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“They never give up Stoke. They put you under pressure and we had to hang on at times.”

“I was delighted how we played, especially in that first half.”

“We had a setback at Real Madrid, but they could have beat anybody 4-0 when you’re down to 10 men.”

“We’ve still got a game to come here on Wednesday and who knows what can happen. We’ll give it our best shot for sure.”

“You’ve always got a chance. We need to get an early goal if we can. It’s a great game to look forward to – a dream game in the last eight of the Champions League. Let’s go and give it a real go.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis felt his side let the game slip early on, but was pleased with the way his men fought the rest of the game out.

“It was a poor start,” he said. “I thought they were defending for the first 20-25 minutes just poor.”

“(They) just stood off and watched players play round us and there?s such good players at this football club and if you do that they cause you problems.”

“We?re really disappointed with the three goals we?ve conceded. Two great goals we?ve scored; Matty?s effort and Kenwyne?s were top, top draw, but we got a little bit closer in the second-half and gave them a run for their money.”

Sat 9 April, 2011

Pulis fumes after controversial equaliser

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has blamed a ‘shocking’ decision from the linesman for his side’s 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday.

The Potters led 1-0 after a Rory Delap header on 53 minutes and looked set for victory until on-loan striker Carlos Vela equalised for West Brom with three minutes remaining.However, replays suggested both Vela and fellow striker Peter Odemwingie were offside in the lead-up to the goal, something which drew Pulis’ ire.Pulis told Sky Sports: “We’re disappointed but we’ve not played well tonight. I thought that’s as poor as we’ve played all season.”"Give West Brom credit for coming back at us after we’d scored the goal but then looking at their goal, it’s a shocking decision by the linesman.”"If he (the linesman) can’t get that right then what’s he doing officiating at our level? It’s a poor, poor decision.”"If it’s on the other side or far away whatever then fine but when it’s that close and he’s looking at the line, as he is – I’ve just seen the pictures now, he’s looking at the line – they’ve got to get those decisions right, they’re very, very important decisions.”Vela could have won the match for the Baggies late on, forcing Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic into two excellent saves, and West Brom manager Roy Hodgson said his side had deserved a point even if their goal was controversial.”Whenever you have a goal like that against you, you consider yourself unlucky,” Hodgson said.”I couldn’t say whether or not it was (offside) but whenever you concede that type of goal you have the right to be frustrated or angry.”"With the number of chances we created and the number of opportunities I think one goal is the least we could expect for our efforts.”Hodgson is yet to have a win since replacing Roberto Di Matteo as manager at the Hawthorns, but the former Liverpool and Fulham boss said he was happy with the result which keeps West Brom one point above the relegation zone.”I think you have got to be pleased when you come to Stoke and get a point,” Hodgson said.”At times you thought we could have even taken all three points, but it was a good team performance and I am very happy with that.”"I am happy with a point also because at least it keeps us going in the right direction.”

Tue 1 March, 2011

Pulis defends cup selections

Tony Pulis deflected accusations of devaluing the FA Cup after his second-string Stoke City team snuck past Cardiff in extra-time.

Pulis fielded several reserves in the third-round replay at the Cardiff City Stadium, with the likes of Danny Pugh, Ryan Shotton and Salif Diao eventually getting the job done after the regulation 90 minutes.

But Pulis rejected the suggestion that his team selection showed a lack of respect for the prestige of the competition.

“I will happily use these players for the game at Wolves,” Pulis said.

“But I don’t have to justify my team selection to anybody but my chairman (Peter Coates) because he runs the football club.”

“He’s in India on a lovely break at the moment but I speak to him regularly and he is happy as long as the players have a go. I have a 25-man squad and we pay players good money whether they are in or out of the team. When we call them to arms, we expect them to have a real go and show commitment.”

“If they were not good enough, they would not be in my 25. I’m pleased with the win and the players did all I can ask of them.”

“The FA Cup is not low on our priorities. But we now play Wolves in the next round on a Saturday and then have to go to Liverpool and Sunderland in the following week, and they don’t play in the cup. That’s a problem.”

“If we did not have the international games as well then there would be more room and teams would concentrate and pick their better teams for the FA Cup.”

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was satisfied with the efforts of his players, but the disappointment of defeat was compounded by the possibility of a serious injury to midfielder Stephen McPhail.

“We did not get the result we wanted but the youngsters did not let anyone down,” Jones said.

Of the injury to 31-year-old McPhail, Jones said: “It looks like he has popped his hamstring.”

“I think he over-stretched and just felt it. We’ll scan it to see the full extent. I could do without losing him.”

Wed 19 January, 2011

Pulis defends cup selections

Tony Pulis deflected accusations of devaluing the FA Cup after his second-string Stoke City team snuck past Cardiff in extra-time.

Pulis fielded several reserves in the third-round replay at the Cardiff City Stadium, with the likes of Danny Pugh, Ryan Shotton and Salif Diao eventually getting the job done after the regulation 90 minutes.

But Pulis rejected the suggestion that his team selection showed a lack of respect for the prestige of the competition.

“I will happily use these players for the game at Wolves,” Pulis said.

“But I don’t have to justify my team selection to anybody but my chairman (Peter Coates) because he runs the football club.”

“He’s in India on a lovely break at the moment but I speak to him regularly and he is happy as long as the players have a go. I have a 25-man squad and we pay players good money whether they are in or out of the team. When we call them to arms, we expect them to have a real go and show commitment.”

“If they were not good enough, they would not be in my 25. I’m pleased with the win and the players did all I can ask of them.”

“The FA Cup is not low on our priorities. But we now play Wolves in the next round on a Saturday and then have to go to Liverpool and Sunderland in the following week, and they don’t play in the cup. That’s a problem.”

“If we did not have the international games as well then there would be more room and teams would concentrate and pick their better teams for the FA Cup.”

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was satisfied with the efforts of his players, but the disappointment of defeat was compounded by the possibility of a serious injury to midfielder Stephen McPhail.

“We did not get the result we wanted but the youngsters did not let anyone down,” Jones said.

Of the injury to 31-year-old McPhail, Jones said: “It looks like he has popped his hamstring.”

“I think he over-stretched and just felt it. We’ll scan it to see the full extent. I could do without losing him.”

Wed 19 January, 2011

Pulis backs Begovic against Everton

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has given his under-fire goalkeeper Asmir Begovic a vote of confidence ahead of their New Year’s Day clash at home to Everton.

The 23-year-old Bosnian stopper was strongly criticised for allowing Chris Baird’s second goal to squeeze past him in Tuesday’s defeat by Fulham.

But Pulis confirmed Begovic would be his first choice ‘keeper against Everton on Saturday and there would be no recall for Danish international Thomas Sorensen.

“Asmir has done very well for us since coming into the side,” Pulis said.

“He has taken his chance after Thomas suffered an elbow injury and we’ve been more than pleased with him.”

“We’ve also been very pleased with Thomas’ attitude because he has been helping Asmir on the training field and they work very well together. Thomas has shown what an excellent professional he is.”

Winger Matthew Etherington and full-back Andy Wilkinson, who were both substituted against Fulham with slight knee injuries, are expected to be fit after two days of treatment and rest.

“They should be okay and we’ve gone very easy on all of the players after they played twice in three days,” Pulis said.

“We gave them Wednesday off and we will only be doing some light work between now and when we kick-off against Everton.”

“It’s going to be a tough game and the Fulham match confirmed there are no easy pickings in the Premier League.”

“I knew that all along and if our players needed reminding they know now.”

“We gave Fulham a two goal start and you can’t give that to anyone in what is a very unforgiving division.

“Everton have got some excellent players and a first-class manager in David Moyes.”

“I’m sure they will finish the season in a higher position than they are in now.”

Jermaine Pennant will start his first game as a fully-fledged Stoke player after his 2.8 million pounds transfer from Real Zaragoza and Pulis expects to be involved in further transfer activity in January.

“There is likely to be some movement and I’m always keen to freshen things up in January,” he said.

“We will see what is out there and examine every deal on its merits and within the budget of this football club.”

Thu 30 December, 2010

Pulis backs Begovic against Everton

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has given his under-fire goalkeeper Asmir Begovic a vote of confidence ahead of their New Year’s Day clash at home to Everton.

The 23-year-old Bosnian stopper was strongly criticised for allowing Chris Baird’s second goal to squeeze past him in Tuesday’s defeat by Fulham.

But Pulis confirmed Begovic would be his first choice ‘keeper against Everton on Saturday and there would be no recall for Danish international Thomas Sorensen.

“Asmir has done very well for us since coming into the side,” Pulis said.

“He has taken his chance after Thomas suffered an elbow injury and we’ve been more than pleased with him.”

“We’ve also been very pleased with Thomas’ attitude because he has been helping Asmir on the training field and they work very well together. Thomas has shown what an excellent professional he is.”

Winger Matthew Etherington and full-back Andy Wilkinson, who were both substituted against Fulham with slight knee injuries, are expected to be fit after two days of treatment and rest.

“They should be okay and we’ve gone very easy on all of the players after they played twice in three days,” Pulis said.

“We gave them Wednesday off and we will only be doing some light work between now and when we kick-off against Everton.”

“It’s going to be a tough game and the Fulham match confirmed there are no easy pickings in the Premier League.”

“I knew that all along and if our players needed reminding they know now.”

“We gave Fulham a two goal start and you can’t give that to anyone in what is a very unforgiving division.

“Everton have got some excellent players and a first-class manager in David Moyes.”

“I’m sure they will finish the season in a higher position than they are in now.”

Jermaine Pennant will start his first game as a fully-fledged Stoke player after his 2.8 million pounds transfer from Real Zaragoza and Pulis expects to be involved in further transfer activity in January.

“There is likely to be some movement and I’m always keen to freshen things up in January,” he said.

“We will see what is out there and examine every deal on its merits and within the budget of this football club.”

Thu 30 December, 2010

Pulis wants Pennant stay

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is hopeful of securing a permanent move for on-loan Real Zaragoza midfielder Jermaine Pennant.

The winger has been with Stoke since the start of the season, and Pulis is keen to have the 27-year-old at Britannia Stadium permanently.

It was originally thought Zaragoza’s asking price would be too high but, speaking after his side’s 2-0 home loss to Fulham on Tuesday, Pulis said a deal was getting closer to becoming reality.

“I think the two clubs are getting closer and I think we’ve got them to drop their price a bit,” he told Sky Sports.

“But I think it was always going to be this – I think there was going to be brinkmanship right up until the last minute.”

“The fact of the matter is we’ve stuck on what we think is the right price for him and fingers crossed we’ll get him at that price.”

Tue 28 December, 2010

Pulis wants Pennant stay

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is hopeful of securing a permanent move for on-loan Real Zaragoza midfielder Jermaine Pennant.

The winger has been with Stoke since the start of the season, and Pulis is keen to have the 27-year-old at Britannia Stadium permanently.

It was originally thought Zaragoza’s asking price would be too high but, speaking after his side’s 2-0 home loss to Fulham on Tuesday, Pulis said a deal was getting closer to becoming reality.

“I think the two clubs are getting closer and I think we’ve got them to drop their price a bit,” he told Sky Sports.

“But I think it was always going to be this – I think there was going to be brinkmanship right up until the last minute.”

“The fact of the matter is we’ve stuck on what we think is the right price for him and fingers crossed we’ll get him at that price.”

Tue 28 December, 2010