Stoke City boss Mark Hughes expects his team to hit the ground running this season.
Hughes is determined to make sure the Potters have a sprint start to match their high-flying finish next time around.
He explained: "We've now got the benefit of last year and of what we achieved. I know exactly what I've got.
"It's not a case of people getting to know each other and the players getting to know a new manager and understanding his demands.
"We've gone through that process and we've now got a group that knows exactly what's required of them, so I'm confident we can hit the ground running when they new season begins."
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