Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says that he is excited at his team playing in the Europa League this season.
Stoke boss respects Dynamo ahead of their meeting in Kiev
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says that he is excited at his team playing in the Europa League this season.
The Potters will begin their European campaign on Thursday evening against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine in Group E and will take on Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Turkish giants Besiktas in the later rounds in the group stage.
Pulis is glad that his players are tasting European action and is hopeful of a positive run of results.
"Someone asked me if I'm excited about being in Europe - I don't think we are in Europe if you look at the teams we are playing!" said Pulis.
"We are in Ukraine, Israel and Turkey. We got the short straw and the travelling distances are horrendous but we are looking forward to it.
Fixture congestion
"We have to manage the squad; there were some good players not in the team on Saturday (for the 1-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool) who will get a chance to show what they can do.
"We play Kiev on Thursday, Sunderland on Sunday, Tottenham on Tuesday (in the Carling Cup) and Manchester United on Saturday - it's not a bad run of games but it is a big call for the next couple of weeks.
"It is what everyone aspires to and we have to cope with, but it is new to us."
Sheva is great
Pulis also paid his respect to their Ukrainian opponents and described striker Andriy Shevchenko as a great player.
"I've got the greatest respect for all three teams we are playing," enthused the Welshman. "I know Kiev have played many games in Europe and have more experience than most teams we are going to play - they are a very famous club.
"We watched video of the Man City games from last year, so we know it will be tough.
"Shevchenko is a great player with fantastic pedigree. He has played in England and knows what English football is all about, so of course, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute, we will give him respect."
