Mark Hughes vents his frustration over Stoke treatment by referees
Friday 14 October 2016 13:05, UK
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has questioned the way his side have been treated by referees this season.
The Potters - who are the most fouled team in the Premier League - are yet to secure a league win after a poor start to the campaign and Hughes believes his side's reputation of being one of the country's most physical teams may now be counting against them
Hughes said: "Maybe our reputation goes before us. We've been here three years, and I think most people can see we've changed in our approach, and we have.
"Maybe referees feel they need to give Stoke players early yellow cards to calm the Stoke players down and make it easier for them to referee. You'd have to ask referees.
"Or maybe they just think they're blatant fouls that deserve yellow cards. I'd obviously disagree with that. We have experienced referees now, and sometimes that is a difficult feeling to have in the back of your mind."
After their 1-1 draw with Manchester United before the international break, Hughes wants to build momentum at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday at the expense of David Moyes' Sunderland.
The 52-year-old said: "It's one we need to win and feel that we can win. We have enough ability to do that. This is a good opportunity to get maximum points.
"We have been really encouraged with our performances the last couple of games and I think everyone can see we are getting back to our levels. We had a huge result at Old Trafford with a good, confident performance and we are back on track now in our view.
"It will be difficult, because Sunderland are in a situation they don't want to be in. But we're the home side, and I think the onus is on us to make sure we are positive."
Hughes also defended out-of-form summer signing Wilfried Bony, who is yet to score for Stoke since joining from Manchester City in the summer.
"We see elements of his play that we are really impressed with. We see it every day in training that he's a really accomplished finisher," added the Welshman.
"He's a top-level striker who just needs to get off and running. He's not quite there yet, he'd admit that himself, there's scope for improvement, but when he's up to speed he will be a quality striker for us."
