Phelan insists there's more to Potters than just set pieces
By Alex Fisher
Jan 3, 2011 4:01:00 PM
Despite having a perfect record against Stoke City in the Premier League, Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has admitted the club are still wary of the threat posed by Tony Pulis’ side.
United have scored 14 goals in the five encounters in the Premier League against Stoke but Phelan admitted there was a lot of preparation work done ahead of their clash with the Potters at Old Trafford.
"Stoke, for us, is as big a game as playing Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, purely because they demand a high level of attention to detail," Phelan told United Review.
"They are a very good team. They’ve sustained their Premier League status for a third successive season now and are a competitive side.
"They certainly give you a run for your money. We respect Stoke a lot for the way the club is run and for what they have achieved. One thing we do know is that we have to be fully focused when we play them."
Stoke are often seen as a one-dimensional side who rely heavily on Rory Delap’s long throws but Phelan was quick to point out there is more to the Potters than just set pieces and was hopeful they would be able to make their preparation pay off on Tuesday night.
"There’s more attention to detail in those situations,” he continued.
“We analyse Stoke as we do with any other team and we pay them the respect they deserve. They challenge you in all areas of the field, and you have to be committed.
“If we do that, hopefully then we’ll have the quality to win the game."
United have scored 14 goals in the five encounters in the Premier League against Stoke but Phelan admitted there was a lot of preparation work done ahead of their clash with the Potters at Old Trafford.
"Stoke, for us, is as big a game as playing Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, purely because they demand a high level of attention to detail," Phelan told United Review.
"They are a very good team. They’ve sustained their Premier League status for a third successive season now and are a competitive side.
"They certainly give you a run for your money. We respect Stoke a lot for the way the club is run and for what they have achieved. One thing we do know is that we have to be fully focused when we play them."
Stoke are often seen as a one-dimensional side who rely heavily on Rory Delap’s long throws but Phelan was quick to point out there is more to the Potters than just set pieces and was hopeful they would be able to make their preparation pay off on Tuesday night.
"There’s more attention to detail in those situations,” he continued.
“We analyse Stoke as we do with any other team and we pay them the respect they deserve. They challenge you in all areas of the field, and you have to be committed.
“If we do that, hopefully then we’ll have the quality to win the game."
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