Stoke boss Tony Pulis expects Andre Villas-Boas to learn from the experience of managing Chelsea after losing a 'very difficult job'.
Stoke boss has sympathy for Villas-Boas and praises Torres
Stoke boss Tony Pulis expects Andre Villas-Boas to learn from the experience of managing Chelsea after losing a 'very difficult job'.
Pulis takes his men to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face a Chelsea side preparing for their first Premier League match since Villas-Boas was sacked last weekend.
Roman Abramovich decided to dispense with his services just eight months after appointing the Portuguese coach, with the Blues lying fifth in the Premier League and in danger of being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League.
The 34-year-old had previously enjoyed great success at Porto, and Pulis has a lot of sympathy for his situation.
"To go into Chelsea and turn it around in eight months was very difficult," said the Stoke boss.
"I found him to be a nice chap. I'm sure he will get back into the game and that it will have been a great experience for him."
Brilliant
Pulis must now pit his wits against interim Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, who oversaw Tuesday night's 2-0 FA Cup fifth round replay win at Birmingham.
That game was Blues striker Fernando Torres' 23rd consecutive appearance for the club without a goal and he appeared to pass up the opportunity to take a penalty.
The Spaniard, Chelsea's £50million record signing, seems to be feeling the pressure, but his overall performance impressed Pulis, who was watching from the stands.
"I went to Birmingham and watched him the other night and I thought he did absolutely fantastically," Pulis said.
"I thought he worked his socks off and that his movement was brilliant.
"He just needs a little bit of luck in front of goal - I just hope he doesn't get it against us on Saturday. His attitude was fantastic."
