Source: Team_Talk
Sorensen reveals recipe for success
Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has given an insight into the mentality that will surely keep Stoke in the Premier League for another season.[LNB] Tony Pulis' side face Hull on Saturday, knowing a victory at the Britannia Stadium will take them over the 40-point mark.[LNB]Stoke are continuing to evolve and have not suffered from "second-season syndrome" after winning promotion in 2009.[LNB]"What the manager and players have done well is realising that, just because we stayed in the Premier League, we had to do even better this season, " Sorensen said.[LNB]"We have improved as a footballing side, especially away from home. Last year we struggled in a lot of games because we invited pressure onto us.[LNB]"With the success, the confidence rises. While the manager has allowed the players to play a bit more, he has been good at not letting the attitude slip.[LNB]"Sometimes players can say we have achieved it now, we've proved we are good enough. Then suddenly slight changes in your game creep in. You think you have achieved what there is to achieve in the game.[LNB]"I have been in the game long enough to know every season you start from scratch. Whatever you achieved last year, you cannot use that in the season to come.[LNB]"We have done that well this year to make sure everyone understood that it would take more effort than last year to stay in the league."[LNB]Sorensen is keen for his team to play all-out until the final whistle on the final day.[LNB]He added: "It is all about momentum. We kept going last year. It is always final impressions that stick in people's minds.[LNB]"If we lose the last seven games then people will be left with a bad impression and we will go on holiday with that in our minds as well.[LNB]"The main target was to keep our Premier League status. Now it is about beating our total last year and hopefully finish in the top half.[LNB]"That would be a great achievement and it is definitely possible as there is a lot of confidence in the squad."[LNB]Midfielder Dean Whitehead is available again after suspension and Pulis wants his side to set a new milestone.[LNB]He said: "The target is 40 points and then 46 as we got 45 last year. If we can do that it has been a great season.[LNB]"Last year we got to the quarter-finals of the League Cup and this season the quarter-finals of the FA Cup so we are progressing.[LNB]"But it will certainly be competitive against Hull. You tell me a game in this division that is not a battle."
