DANNY PUGH insists that Stoke City still have an almighty job on their hands to secure a spot in the Europa League Group Stages . . . despite holding the upper hand ahead of tomorrow's Play-Off Second Leg at the Britannia Stadium.
The former Manchester United protégé hit the only goal of the game in Switzerland six days ago to edge Tony Pulis' side into the driving seat ahead of the return tie.
But whilst pundits and supporters may feel the job has already been done, Pugh is adamant that the current Swiss Axpo Super League leaders will be determined to put their wrongs of last week right at the Britannia Stadium.
"It's not done and dusted by any means, no way," he told stokecityfc.com. "We have a huge job to finish off and we know from last week that they are a pretty decent team who like to get the ball down and play a little bit.
"We do have the advantage, but in two legged affairs that doesn't make any difference really. We still have to go out there on Thursday, be professional and play the game like it is still 0-0.
He added: "They are going extremely well in their league so we can't afford to underestimate them one single bit. It will be tough, but we have the belief that if we can play to our strengths then we can finish the job off."
The 28-year old midfielder remains one of the Club's longest serving players, having joined the Potters from Preston for an undisclosed fee almost four years ago, and he says the success the Club has enjoyed over that time has been astronomical.
"We thought it was a monumental achievement in just reaching the Premier League, so for us to push on like we have and for the Manager and Chairman to ensure we haven't stood still is pretty special.
"Every year since I have been here the Football Club has grown and grown. If we can get into the Group Stages of the Europa League then that will be another feather in the cap of the Club.
"We will strive to make sure that happens on Thursday night, but we are fully aware that it won't be easy."
No comments:
Post a Comment