Stoke manager Tony Pulis has hit out at the fact his team will have to play on a artificial surface when they travel to Swiss side FC Thun for their Europa League clash later this week.
While Pulis is proud to be leading the Potters into Europe, he is less enthused about the fact that their qualifying round opponents will be playing on a plastic pitch.
"What I am disappointed and annoyed with is the fact it is not on grass, the trip is going to be particularly tough because we will be playing on artificial turf," said the Stoke boss.
"It's a big disadvantage to us when we are up against a good side with an excellent home record who are top of their league.
"If you are going away and playing on grass that is fine but to fly to a country and have to play on an artificial pitch is a big call.
"You only have to look at their home record, it is outstanding, and they won 5-2 on Sunday and play very well on their surface," he added.
"It's difficult enough just learning about going away in Europe and trying to get results, but the conditions makes it doubly difficult."
FC Thun are currently sitting on top of the Swiss Super league after seven matches while Stoke kicked off their domestic campaign on Sunday with a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Chelsea.
Source: AFP
