Pulis welcomes another game 2012/01/31 at 9:40 am
Victory over Derby in the FA Cup fourth round has added yet another fixture to Stokes busy schedule, but Tony Pulis has no complaints.
The Potters saw off the Rams 2-0 on Saturday to keep themselves on track to better last seasons runners-up finish, with Cameron Jerome and Robert Huth among the goals.
Pulis has made it clear that he will be taking the competition as seriously as he has any other this term.
Stoke have been forced to juggle Premier League, Carling Cup, Europa League and FA Cup commitments over recent months, but their manager insists that they would not have it any other way.
We have played 14 cup ties so far this season and we are guaranteed now another three – the fifth round and we have got two games against Valencia, said Pulis.
That will take us to 17 cup ties, for a side that is still learning all about the Premiership. Its a great testament to the players, the amount of games they have had to play in but they keep digging in.
What we have got to do now is make sure we take things nice and steady. Its an important stage within the season and we have to make sure we stay focused on the Premiership while also, when the cup ties come around, we want to win those games as well.
Thats what we have done today and we have shown the competition and Derby a lot of respect.
Sloppy
Pulis was forced to field a strong side against Derby as the Rams recent fine form in the Championship made him fully aware of the size of the task facing the Potters at Pride Park.
He said: When you look at what they have achieved over the last few months, they are a good footballing team.
We started well, got the goal, but then we got a bit sloppy after that. Derby played really well for a spell. We dusted ourselves down, though, and looked a bit more focused in the second half.
I am much more pleased with the second half because I dont think Derby had a shot second half. That is testament to the lads and the focus they have.
He added: It was always going to be a tough game. Derby are on a great run and its a great football club with great support and tradition.
When we pulled them out of the hat, a draw away in the FA Cup is not what you want. But the bonus for us is that its quite close to Stoke-on-Trent and I knew we would bring a lot of support with us, and they were a big help today.