Pulis issues rallying cry to Stoke fans

Tony Pulis believes the Stoke City fans can make the difference in the club’s Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev on Thursday.

After collecting 10 points from their four group matches, Pulis’ side need just a point to qualify to the next round of the competition with two games remaining.

Pulis is eager to wrap up qualification as soon as possible and has sought out the help of the Britannia Stadium faithful to help in their home match against the Ukrainians.

“We’re hoping that there will be a full house roaring us on and we’ll need the backing of our supporters more than ever to help us get over the line,” Pulis said.

“In many ways, this is a cup final for both sides. We need a point to qualify and they will be desperate to get a result to keep their hopes alive.”

“We want to get the job done in this match. The results we have had in this competition so far have put us in a strong position to qualify and we will do everything we possibly can to win the game if we can, but we know there is a big job in front of us.”

Even though Stoke are sitting at the top of Group E, it has not been easy, and they had to come from a goal behind in order to seal a 2-1 win against Besiktas.

Pulis is taking this experience on board and is not expecting an easy ride from the match against Kiev, after praising the ability that the Ukrainian side possess in their ranks.

“We’re going to have to be patient, both the players and supporters,” he said.

“Kiev have players who are technically very gifted; they have the ability to keep the ball for long periods. So they will have long spells in the game when they are in possession.”

“This will be as tough, if not tougher than Besiktas, and that one was tough. It’s a massive, massive game for us and we have to approach it in the right manner.”