Manager Mark Hughes was previewing Stoke’s opening day clash against Everton on Friday and here’s what he had to say.
Speaking to the Official Website as he met with the media yesterday, Hughes was upbeat ahead of the campaign and he couldn’t wait to kick it off for real.
Stoke begin their tenth straight year in the Premier League and Hughes was very happy with our pre season campaign, and he was looking for a positive result at Goodison Park against Ronald Koeman’s side.
‘It`s been a long pre-season and this has felt a long time in waiting, but we are ready for it now. Pre-season is of course hugely important, but we feel we are in good shape and are just looking forward to the real stuff – we are fed up of friendlies to be perfectly honest. We face a difficult test on the opening day against an Everton side who have made huge investments this summer.’
Speaking more about Everton, Hughes admitted it would be a good test especially given the spending they have done so far this summer.
‘They have spent heavily, although in truth, they are reinvesting the money that they have generated with sales over the past 12 to 18 months. Still, they have been shrewd and managed to bring some top players into the club, so we know it is going to be a tough start for us, but by the same token they will feel the same too.’
He added.
‘We are just really looking forward to getting out there now and hopefully making a perfect start.’
