Pulis: Europe has been draining

Published Dec. 19, 2011 7:16 a.m. ET

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The Potters were the only British side to make it out of their group and into the last 32. They will be joined in the competition by Manchester United and Manchester City following their shock exit from the Champions League, while a number of other European heavyweights will be competing for the top prize. Among those expected to go well are Valencia, who will provide the opposition for Stoke at the next stage. Pulis says his squad are eager to test themselves against the Primer Liga high-flyers, but admits he could be set for a few more sleepless nights. He said in The Sun: "It's very difficult in respect of the travelling. "I got into bed at about a quarter to five on Friday morning after the Besiktas game! It takes it out of the players. "Their level dropped off because of the travel and the shortage of time we had to work with them. "But we have managed to work through it now. "We'll certainly enjoy our games against Valencia. "The players have been buzzing since the draw because they wanted to get someone we have no chance against!"