Stoke vs Valencia Preview
Tony Pulis is looking forward to one of the biggest nights in Stoke’s history when Valencia visit the Britannia Stadium on Thursday.
The Spanish giants, who sit third in La Liga, arrived in the Potteries ahead of the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.
Stoke have exceeded expectations so far in their first European campaign for 37 years, losing only once in 10 games and qualifying from a group containing Besiktas, Dynamo Kyiv and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
But Pulis knows Valencia will present another step up and has called on the club’s supporters to play their part as the Potters look to preserve their unbeaten home record in the competition.
He said: “I’m excited. It’s one of the great games this football club has had in its history.
“Next year it’s 150 years this club has been going and we haven’t had too many occasions when you can say you’re playing a top, top European team at the Britannia.
“And it’s not just the game here, there’s a lot of supporters who can’t wait to go out for the game in Spain as well and experience the atmosphere out there, which is supposed to be absolutely fantastic. It’s just fantastic for the city.”
Stoke will also be hoping to turn their form around after a run of four Barclays Premier League defeats in a row, which has seen them drop from the fringes of the European battle to 13th.
Pulis is convinced his side can cause an upset on Thursdaynight, and he said: “It’s a big game, but it’s a game and the end result is the most important thing.
“We have to go out there and not be overawed by anything, just play the way we can play and, if we can get our forwards playing well, then I think we’ll cause them a lot of problems, I really do.”
Pulis has been impressed with the job done at the Mestalla by his opposite number Unai Emery, who has kept Valencia snapping at the heels of Real Madrid and Barcelona despite financial constraints that have forced him to sell the likes of David Silva and Juan Mata.
Pulis, who watched the Spaniards beat Sporting Gijon 4-0 on Sunday, said: “They’re a fantastic team.
“Sometimes you go and watch a game of football and you can’t see an identity with the team but he’s a young coach and he’s got the team very well organised both off the ball and in possession, and they impress you.”
Emery insisted Valencia have not been focusing on individual Stoke players, such as the threat of Rory Delap’s long throws, because he regards them as such a strong team.
“We are aware of certain individuals, but the thing about Stoke City, it is the team as a whole which is the strength of Stoke,” said the Los Che boss.
“We are aware of the aerial threat that comes from the throw-ins of Delap, and in the shape of Jermaine Pennant down the sides they are very quick, and also Matthew Etherington down the other side.
“We have to adapt to their style and be as brave and as strong as they are. They pressure you as a unit and we have to match that.
“But it’s important what we do in possession and you have to show your character and personality to take off some of the pressure they are trying to put on us.”