• Premier League

This isn't Europe, we play hard but fair - Pulis

ESPN staff
March 26, 2012

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has strongly defended his side's style of play, after reportedly leaving Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini furious with their physical approach during their match on Saturday.

Mancini did not speak to the media after seeing his side draw 1-1 at the Britannia Stadium, with reports later suggesting the Italian opted not to risk saying something he would come to regret after being appalled by some of the challenges put in on his players by their opponents.

Playmaker David Silva needed a bandage applied to his head after one particularly brutal collision with Dean Whitehead, but Pulis maintained his side play hard but fair - suggesting Mancini should not expect the same style of play he might be used to on the continent.

"I don't think we do anything wrong at this football club. We are competitive. We close people down," Pulis said. "For me, there's a make-up within the Premier League that is better than any of the big leagues.

"It's what makes it the best in the world, as you have different styles, different systems. You have everything in the pot and it makes it exciting.

"No club, and this is why it will be exciting right until the end, goes anywhere, or should go anywhere, to any ground and do sometimes what Barcelona and Real Madrid do to teams in Spain.

"And that is just play a game and just walk through it. That won't happen in England."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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