Boss wants attacking approach to continue

Mark Hughes is calling on his City side to take the game to Stoke when the two sides meet on Sunday afternoon.

The Potters’ robust approach will come face-to-face with an attacking method that has made City the Premier League’s top scorers prior to this weekend’s round of games.

The Manager is prepared for how Tony Pulis’ side will come at the Blues, and he wants his team to stick to their forward-thinking principles.

Mark says, “Stoke are a big strong side, there is only one player less than six feet tall and they play to their strengths. Getting the ball in at corners and set plays is effective for them, and we will have to able to stand up and be counted.

“The onus is on us as the home side, and we’ve enjoyed playing at home this season. We’ve played some decent stuff on our own patch and caused teams problems. We have to make sure we are as creative as we have been all year, but keep the back door shut and stand up to the challenge.”

Stoke’s best-known ploy are the rocket-like throw-ins from Rory Delap, something the Manager has made sure City will be ready for.

“Throw ins of the quality he produces have to be addressed, and that’s what we have been doing. It’s very much to do with the angle of delivery, it’s not just throwing it in. That he can throw it in from halfway gives you more of a problem, we’ve highlighted it and we will see what we do.

“Stoke work exceptionally hard and their fitness levels are very impressive. They have a team ethic that we will have to match, if we don’t then it will be a difficult afternoon.”

So does Stoke’s approach remind the Manager of the halcyon days of Wimbledon’s famous Crazy Gang? With a rueful smile that must cover memories of some bruising encounters in the past, Mark says: “I can assure you they are nothing like that!”.