Stoke City: Thomas Sorensen determined to be City's number one
THOMAS Sorensen is determined to put his European Championship heartbreak behind him by winning the battle for a first-team place at Stoke City.
The 36-year-old Denmark international was forced to miss the Euros when he suffered a back injury just days before the squad set off for Poland and Ukraine.
-
Stoke City's Thomas Sorensen was forced to miss the Euros
That cost him the chance of adding to his 101 caps as Denmark bowed out in the group stages following a win over Holland, but defeats to Portugal and Germany.
However, Sorensen is back to full fitness and looking forward to competing with Asmir Begovic for the first-team shirt at Stoke.
Visiting the Home & Garden show this Sunday?
We will have some exclusive deals for you so make sure you visit our stand and say hello
Terms: With free entry just visit the show at the Moat House hotel Festival Park between 11am and 4pm and pick up a leaflet
Contact: 01782 342609
Valid until: Sunday, June 23 2013
He believes he and Begovic will start on equal terms when the players report back for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.
Tony Pulis showed he was prepared to pick on form last season as Begovic played 22 Premier League games and Sorensen 16.
Now the Dane, pictured below, believes either keeper can claim the first-team shirt for the opening game of the season at Reading on August 18.
He said: "I don't think much has changed from last season. There are two good keepers fighting to be number one.
"It's a good situation for the manager. It will be frustrating for one keeper, but the manager has proved he is willing to go to either keeper and is willing to give us both a fair chance."
The keepers will both get game time in Stoke's pre-season friendlies which begin against FC Sion in Montreux on July 19 and also include a three-game tour to the United States, against Columbus Crew (July 24), Orlando City (July 28) and Sporting Kansas City (August 1).
Stoke will then travel to Torquay (August 6) and Yeovil (August 7) before a game away to Bundesliga side Greuther Furth in Bavaria on August 10.
Sorensen was disappointed to miss out the Euros, but doesn't want to rush into a decision on his international future.
He said: "I was fine within a week or ten days of the injury. It just came at the wrong time for me.
"It was more about the uncertainty because the final squad had to be selected. I was devastated to be so close having worked hard for so long.
"But the manager was fair and explained why he made that decision.
"I can see why he wanted everyone fit. It could have kept me out for two weeks and I would have missed all the games.
"I was down about it, but I am part of the team and was kicking every single ball as I watched the games."
Sorensen, meanwhile, is delighted that Robert Huth will be among the Stoke players reporting for duty this week.
The German defender ended speculation about his future last month when he signed a new contract which commits him to City for the next four years.
Sorensen added: "Robert has been one of our best and most consistent players. It is important for every team to have confidence in their back four and goalkeeper."
Comments
by Pottedrengen
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 2:32PM
“At one point last season when DeGea was struggling, Lindegaard went in goal for Man United and might have stayed there if injury had struck unkindly for him. That would have meant that United #1 was understudying Thomas for Denmark.
Thomas might drop a goal every once in a while like all keepers, but he's still one of the very best on the international scene.”
by DJ_Stoke
Monday, July 09 2012, 10:16PM
“Totally agree mate 100%”
by MrDAP
Monday, July 09 2012, 9:56PM
“We have two good goalkeepers, surely a positive? I'd argue that this is one area of the pitch where Stoke are as well off as any club in the Prem.”
by DJ_Stoke
Monday, July 09 2012, 9:31PM
“Yeah Bego has grown on me over the years, since his debut at Chelsea anyway, the score of which we won't mention!!! Ever Again!!
That Carling Cup debacle put me off him a bit too, but he seems commited to Stoke now...”
by wheatear
Monday, July 09 2012, 9:21PM
“I thought the point behind this article is that he wants to get the place back, how can that be bad?
On another subject, with a PV story at the top of the PV page and a CA story at the top of the CA story why we have to have both a PV story and a CA story at the top of the Stoke page?”
by NOONESHOME
Monday, July 09 2012, 5:21PM
“Soccerfoot.
Coatsey also said we would have to sell before we can buy,so it looks a bit grim all round for me at the moment,as i have not seen, or heard of anyone being sold to raise the millions we require.I am afraid TS will have to up his game somewhat to replace Bego in goals.”
by soccerfoot11
Monday, July 09 2012, 2:28PM
“dizzy, according to the man who owns Stoke City FC, he said in an article on here that he intended on bringing in transfers earlier than usual to get them on the team before the season starts. Apparently he forgot to to tell Pulis that !”
by Dizzy1960
Monday, July 09 2012, 1:47PM
“I nice to see competition for places, but shouldn't that be the case at the beginning of any season? No signings have yet been made and therefore, we don't know what formation TP will prefer next season and the effect these new signings will have on players whose positions are under treat. And the lack of signings is a major concern, to me anyway.
I see that Joe Cole is remaining at POO or will he be on his way out? West Ham possibly? Only Cameron and Ness have been linked, and they aren't certain. But like many Stoke fans, I'm just waiting for that FIRST ONE! Gooaarrnnnn Stoke City or should I say; "Coates City"?
I would like to see us play a 3-5-2 or 3-5-1-1. But have we the players to play that formation or will he go with the Spanish style and play 4-6 or 5-5 to win the Premier Lge, with our long throw being effective. Because one thing we don't lack through-out the team is height!
"PLEASE", that first one! To to show me where your heart is.
Gooaarrnnnn STOKE, Gooaarrnnnn STOKE, Gooaarrnnnn STOKE.
Gooaarrnnnn STOKE, Gooaarrnnnn STOKE, Gooaarrnnnn STOKE.”
by STHolder
Monday, July 09 2012, 11:55AM
“Great to have FAIR competition for places, wish it was happening throughout the squad.”
by LiamOSullivan
Monday, July 09 2012, 11:00AM
“It's great to have a keeper with such deterrmination - but tell me: what are you going to do about keeping all those long range shots out, for Stoke and Denmark both?
If TS doesnt have an answwer to that, then I cant see him playing again for either team.”