Stoke manager Tony Pulis is aware of the impact Gerard Houllier’s arrival could have on Aston Villa next Monday.
Former Liverpool boss Houllier will take charge of Villa for the first time when they travel to the Britannia Stadium, and Pulis expects the players to be going all out to impress their new manager.
He said: “It is always tough when a new manager walks through the door because the players are on their toes and trying to impress the new manager in charge.
“It has happened to us quite a bit, over the years we’ve had this changeover a few times, but you have to take it on the chin.”
And Pulis insists he will not be worrying about the effect the change could have on Villa, insisting he is more concerned with his own outfit.
“Whatever happens outside, happens outside – I can’t affect it so why worry about it,” the Potters boss added.
“If you look at teams too deeply sometimes you can worry your players to death.”