Source: Daily_Mail
Jermaine Pennant insists Stoke relish FA Cup final underdog tag
ShareStoke winger Jermaine Pennant insists the players relish their role as underdogs and will use it as motivation in this weekend's FA Cup final.[LNB]The 28-year-old believes the Wembley clash against big-spending Manchester City will be 'one of the toughest games of our lives' but is confident they will be able to compete.[LNB]Stoke have spent the last three seasons in the Barclays Premier League proving people wrong and upsetting the bigger clubs, a fact which was perfectly highlighted by their comfortable 3-1 win over third-placed Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium yesterday.[LNB] Jermaine man: Pennant scored as Stoke beat his former team Arsenal[LNB]And although a one-off match at a neutral venue may benefit City's vast array of experienced internationals Stoke showed with their 5-0 semi-final demolition of Bolton they can perform on the big occasion.[LNB]'We will be underdogs next week, there's no doubt about that, but people said we were the underdogs yesterday,' said Pennant.[LNB]'We like it that way. We always seem to be the underdogs but that title suits us, it takes a bit of pressure off.[LNB]'In recent weeks we have proven that we can cut it against the top teams in this division.[LNB]'We held Chelsea to a draw and we beat a very good Arsenal side pretty comfortably, so we are in fine form at the moment.[LNB]'We need to make sure we keep going though. A lot of people asked questions as to whether the 5-0 win against Bolton would hinder our progress in the league but I think we have answered that with our performances.[LNB]Flashpoint: Pennant and Jack Wilshere clash at the Britannia[LNB]'People keep asking questions of us and we keep answering them. We will need to do that again on Saturday because it will be one of the toughest games of our lives.'[LNB]Despite the honour of appearing at Wembley manager Tony Pulis believes the evolution of Stoke into an established and consistent Barclays Premier League club has greater significance than the FA Cup final.[LNB]The Potters head to Wembley on the back of a five-match unbeaten run stretching back to their semi-final victory.[LNB]But although they are looking to lift the famous old trophy for their first time in their history Pulis believes the long-term future of the club will be linked to their Premier League record.[LNB]'People are talking about the weekend being the most important day in the club's history but what we mustn't forget is that next season we get our fourth year in the Premier League,' he said.[LNB]'We are a much improved team than when we came into the Premier League. We have gradually got better but we have kept that DNA, which is really hard work and teamwork.[LNB]'When we first came up we were massive underdogs to stay in the league, we were written off after our first game. So to have that fourth year in the Premier League is a massive achievement.'[LNB]The victory over the Gunners was the perfect preparation to face City, currently fourth in the table, but Pulis is keen to focus on what he believes is a more difficult task ahead.[LNB]'It was a great performance against Arsenal but you have to move on,' he added. 'I have watched Manchester City twice and I think they are what Chelsea were a few years ago.[LNB]'They are getting to that stage where they will win trophies and be a massive force in Europe, never mind this country.' Cup final is my reward, insists Stoke chairman Coates after ?50m gambleThis week is 'do or die'! De Jong tells Manchester City to make historyGraham Poll: Wilshere should have seen red for challenge on PennantAll the latest Stoke news, features and opinion[LNB]
