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Stoke’s Pulis backtracks after Kiev comment

Comment: 0 September 15th, 2011 by: admin
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Stoke City manager Tony Pulis attempted to take back a controversial topic regarding Thursday night Europa League opponents Ukraine.

According to reports, Pulis had made a comment before the clash with Dynamo Kiev, questioning whether or not Ukraine was even part of the European continent.

The manager stood in defence of his statements, claiming that it was taken out of context and that no insults were intended.

‘Is it in Europe?  That’s not insulting,’ he said.  ‘I’m not insulting.  I’ve got the greatest respect for the three teams we are playing.’

‘I know Kiev have played more than 280 games in Europe,’ Pulis continued.  ‘They’ve got a great history.  I’ve read their history during the war years and of their famous coach [Valeriy Lobanovskiy].’

Addressing his experience in managing a team for the wider European competition, Pulis admitted that he was lacking in experience.

‘Yes, it’s another chapter for  us and I’m still learning about the game,’ said Pulis.  ‘I’m diving into a pool of water that I’m not used to, so I’m learning as we go along as well.’

The manager added that he was ‘naive’ just like the others.

‘I’m not going to say I’m a genius at this and that.  I’ll learn from Europe and make mistakes as well.’

After Dynamo Kiev, Stoke City are set to face the Besiktas (Turkey) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel).

AUTHOR’S OPINION
Always funny, these diplomatic tiffs. Not much to say afterwards, really, except take on a self-righteous stand and say Pulis should have been ashamed of himself. Admit it, though: there are some people who would stop and ask the same question. No offence.

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