Last updated on .From the section Football

Pulis says Chelsea are as strong and physical as Stoke

Stoke manager Tony Pulis says Andre Villas-Boas's comments about his team have been exaggerated by the media following their draw with Chelsea.

The Blues boss had criticised Stoke for an overly physical style after their 0-0 stalemate.

Two players were booked on either side, but Villas-Boas had felt aggrieved at the Stoke tactics in the penalty area.

"I listened to some of the comments that he made and they have been blown out of all proportion," Pulis said.

Tony Pulis - Managerial Career 1992-94 Bournemouth

1995-99 Gillingham

1999-2000 Bristol City

2000 Portsmouth

2002-05 Stoke City

2005-06 Plymouth Argyle

2006-Present Stoke City

"He's actually said that there was pushing and shoving in both boxes. But obviously it's been reported that it was pushing and shoving in our box.

"That's the press being the press. They have to do what they do.

"But I didn't think actually listening to the interview on the tape [it] was disrespectful at all."

Both Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres had penalty shouts waved away by referee Mark Halsey. Villas-Boas said after the match: "The amount of pushing and grabbing in the box is out of this world.

"I want to draw the referees' attention to these kind of details as they say they are going to be aware of them. Maybe they need extra help."

Stoke take on Swiss Super League side FC Thun on Thursday, but Pulis' preparations for the trip have been hampered by injuries to winger Matthew Etherington and midfielder Rory Delap during the clash with Chelsea.

DID YOU KNOW? Stoke City have competed in Europe twice before in 1972 and 1974

Pulis said: "Matty has had an x-ray on his shoulder and Rory underwent a scan on his hamstring problem.

"We plan to take them with us to Switzerland and we will give them every chance of being fit for the games we've got coming up."

The Potters have confirmed they have sold 1,000 tickets for the Thursday's Europa League play-off tie in Switzerland.