Stoke City manager, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tony-c35440 Pulis, has revealed that Steven Gerrard’s recent comments about his team had not annoyed him. Instead, he took them as a ‘compliment’.
The English International likened Everton’s game with that of the Potters, following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw in a crunch Merseyside derby match last Sunday.
The Reds skipper said that both the team’s like to launch a direct attack, instead of building up moves, and prefer to play long balls.
His comments sparked an acerbic response from Everton’s camp, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-c10409 Moyes criticizing the talismanic midfielder for comparing his side with Stoke City.
Later, Gerrard retracted his statement and unearthed that his comments came as a result of frustration, after his side were denied a late winner by the linesman.
Even though the 32-year old’s remarks infuriated the Toffees boss and the players, it did nothing to spoil the mood of the Britannia Stadium chief.
The manager said that he viewed them as a compliment for his side, as the prolific schemer was, in a way, acknowledging their strong defence.
“Actually I thought it was a compliment! I know Steven has apologised for what he's said but I actually took it as a compliment that Everton play like Stoke,” he told the reporters.
“http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 have done fantastic this season and are a good side.”
Pulis, who took over the management of the Potters in June 2006, has often been run down for, what many believe, are his passive tactics. He has developed a reputation for implementing an over-defensive philosophy at the Britannia Stadium.
In the 301 matches that Stoke have played so far under the Welshman’s supervision, they have played out 88 draws.
Nonetheless, the manager was not too fazed over being censured for his techniques.
Instead, he stated that he was always open to criticism and that Gerrard’s comments did not tarnish the midfielder’s image in front of him.
“I've got a great respect for Gerrard. He's a great advert for English football. Was I surprised? No. I don't take the criticism to heart, if it could even be classed as criticism,” he added.
The Potters have bagged 9 points from their 9 games thus far, recording just a single win and playing out 6 draws.
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