Drogba, Henry, and Ronaldo: Unforgettable Impressions on My Players
Tony Pulis, the former manager of Stoke City, recently revealed his toughest opponent during his tenure as a Premier League manager. In an interview, Pulis reminisced about facing off against some of the greatest footballers of our time, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Thierry Henry.
Pulis, who spent ten seasons at Stoke City and guided them to Premier League promotion in 2008, had the opportunity to face off against some of the world’s best players during his time in charge. One player who left a lasting impression on Pulis was Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward, who won the Ballon d’Or in the 2008/09 season, showcased his quality during Stoke’s 5-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Reflecting on that match, Pulis recalled how his team had been holding their own until Ronaldo unleashed two stunning free-kicks in the final minutes of the first half. Pulis described the disbelief in the dressing room at halftime, with his players wondering what they needed to do to contain Ronaldo’s brilliance. It was moments like these that made Pulis deem Ronaldo as his toughest opponent.
But Ronaldo was not the only player who left a mark on Pulis. The former manager also mentioned Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry as players who posed significant challenges. Drogba, a Chelsea legend, and Henry, an Arsenal icon, scored a combined 279 Premier League goals throughout their careers. Pulis praised their abilities and described Drogba as an “absolute handful” and Henry as a “fantastic player.”
Fortunately for Pulis, he only had to face Ronaldo on one more occasion before the star forward left for Real Madrid. Stoke City lost the reverse fixture 1-0 before Ronaldo’s departure in the summer. However, Pulis acknowledged the immense quality he faced throughout his managerial career, not only during his time at Stoke City but also at Crystal Palace and West Brom.
When asked about the top teams he faced, Pulis highlighted the exceptional talents of players from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City. He praised their abilities and emphasized the importance of his team’s collective effort in trying to contain these top-notch players.
In conclusion, Tony Pulis has had the privilege of managing against some of the greatest footballers in recent history. Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Thierry Henry have all left an indelible impression on him. Their skills, talent, and ability to change the game with a single moment of brilliance made them formidable opponents. For Pulis, these players will forever be remembered as some of the best he had the privilege of facing on the football pitch.