Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has claimed that the club have lofty ambitions this term following last year's top-10 finish.
Hughes believes that his side's achievements last season have raised expectations for the coming campaign, but the Welshman has said that he is relishing the added pressure.
He told Sky Sports News: "Expectations are probably higher than they were last year when I walked through the door but I'm okay with that, that's a good thing. Everyone wants to be encouraged by what's ahead of us and I'm looking forward to it."
"We've done a lot of our business early and maybe in the past that hasn't been the case at Stoke City. We're pleased with where we're sat at the moment.
"If good options become available then we'll try and pursue them if we can afford, but the majority of the squad that will take us into the season is in place already."
The Potters play Burton Albion this afternoon.
