STOKE star Matthew Etherington has been on YouTube to check out tomorrow night's Europa league opponents Hajduk Split, and admits: "We'll need a win to take back to Croatia."
"A mate texted me to say it was on," he said, "and they looked a good team from what I saw.Having spied on Hajduk's goalless draw with Barcelona at the weekend, Etherington believes Stoke are in for a tough time in the first leg of their third qualifying-round tie at the Britannia Stadium (7.45pm).
"Hajduk had plenty of chances, and Barcelona had players like Iniesta and Villa on the pitch, so they are a very good team.
"The atmosphere in Split looked brilliant, and I was glad I watched it because there's no taking Hajduk lightly.
"From what I have seen, it's going to be a tough game for us and we will need a lead, any lead, going to Croatia.
"We need to improve on our performances in pre-season, but I'm sure we will."
Etherington acknowledged that Stoke's pre-season form and results had been poor, but remains confident they will be ready for their Europa League debut.
Hadjuk had people watching City's back to back losses last week
"They've probably gone home thinking it will be a walk in the park for them.
"But we are a different animal at the Britannia and it will be all guns blazing.
"We've had a really tough pre-season with a lot of hard work, and it takes a couple of weeks after that to get back into the swing of things.
"A lot of work in a short space of time takes its toll and you need a few days for the body to recover to see and feel the benefits.
"Now I think we are as ready as we can be. We would have liked a bit more time, but the fitness is more or less there now.
"But we also know we have to improve performances because what we are playing against on Thursday is a step up in class.
"It's important how you play tactically. Our manager is usually very good on that and will know how to play on their weaknesses."
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