Training Saturday 30/1

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The expectation was training would be behind the fencing today , partly as it's the day before a game but also after the overnight frost. 11 was the start time today but they were late getting out and for a while it was only Bridge,Petrov and Lescott with a fitness guy behind the fencing.Mancini came out with Kidd and walked straight across the fenced pitch to the open one and declared it fit to use so the good news was that the few of us there would see something and the small bunch of photographers as well. I don't really think being watched bothers the new regime at all.

Still no Vieira in sight and also missing were Micah and Tevez and notably no Benjani. Usual warm up routines, sometimes all together and other times in 2 groups.One all together session was a hand ball game in a 5 a side area where goals could only be scored with headers. Bit of fun no more. One of the sessions with a team on the pitch behind the fence was more working on the tactical and perhaps specifics for tomorrow's game plus some time again on corners. Mancini taking time to personally set up the defensive positions and then running across to take the corners himself. ( not very good ones though ) I did see one interesting tactic and it will be interesting to see if it is used v Pompey. ( cant mention here of course:))

The final action was a 6 or 7 a side game with nothing really worth mentioning and then as most went in it left 3 for a little shooting practice. Bellers,Petrov and Garrido with Petrov probably just the pick of the bunch today. Gunnar Neilsen was in goal and is now sporting a full beard which I commented on. He said he was going for the full viking ( pronounced Yking) look. The final bit of the session was Gunnar v Mancini who took some free kicks at him from the edge of the box and slightly left side.

As he lined up for the first one the keeper coach was telling Gunnar to adjust his position a little. He didnt so Mancini just slotted it inside the right post with ease and said " is normal" ( you need to add the Italian accent) The next one was covered easily by the keeper and the decider was just inches wide of the right post with just not enough curl on it.

[carolina-blue]

In light of whats going on expected more press there today , This Vieira fella does he exist ? Is Pigeniho going to get more playing time ?
Thanks Again Doug ..."Top Man "

[Nige]

Cheers for the update pal. Has that young Ibrahaim been training with the first 11 frequently? I thought he looked the business as Scunny so wondered if Bobby Manc's crew had the same view.

[Beefymcfc]

Cheers Doug, 'our fella on the spot'. But what's all this about??

( cant mention here of course:))

Any chance of a PM mate, you know you can trust me - Honest Guv'!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers for the update pal. Has that young Ibrahaim been training with the first 11 frequently? I thought he looked the business as Scunny so wondered if Bobby Manc's crew had the same view.

Yes he has and he hasnt looked out of place at all.

[BetaManchester]

"Is normal" haha

[BmoreBlue]

Cheers Doug

[xavi6]

notably no Benjani

An ITK has told me that he is at Sunderland undergoing talks about a move there.

[Blueboylewis]

Cheers for the report Doug.

Benjani not being there? Possibly at Sunderland right now?

[Seanmcfc1]

Doug do you think tevez will be out of the game tommorow?

[Blue Blood]

Cheers doug.

Did you happen to spot our 6ft 2 apparent new signing by any chance?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Benjani I took as read would be at Sunderland for talks. Tevez I expect to play as yesterday I was told he was ok but I am slightly surprised he has missed today as well.

No sign of anyone new but if deals are being done he would be at COMS not Carrington.

[Blue Blood]

Benjani I took as read would be at Sunderland for talks. Tevez I expect to play as yesterday I was told he was ok but I am slightly surprised he has missed today as well.

No sign of anyone new but if deals are being done he would be at COMS not Carrington.

Of course, my error.

Cheers again doug.

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Cheers Doug.

[9secondlegend]

Benjani I took as read would be at Sunderland for talks. Tevez I expect to play as yesterday I was told he was ok but I am slightly surprised he has missed today as well.

No sign of anyone new but if deals are being done he would be at COMS not Carrington.

benjani to sunderland
unsettled kenwyn jones to liverpool
torres to us
simples!

[Blueboylewis]

Benjani I took as read would be at Sunderland for talks. Tevez I expect to play as yesterday I was told he was ok but I am slightly surprised he has missed today as well.

No sign of anyone new but if deals are being done he would be at COMS not Carrington.

benjani to sunderland
unsettled kenwyn jones to liverpool
torres to us
simples!

Thats about as simple as you trying to kick my ass at mario cart

[Biamp]

Cheers Doug, hope Tevez will be ready for today.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

"I did see one interesting tactic and it will be interesting to see if it is used v Pompey. ( cant mention here of course:))"


They tried it but did you see it?

[Wonderwall]

"I did see one interesting tactic and it will be interesting to see if it is used v Pompey. ( cant mention here of course:))"



They tried it but did you see it?

no I havent a clue was it a short corner for once?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

No it was a very cleverly worked out routine from a kick off. Somebody immediately lays it back to the midfield or defender and then 4 players run flat out to the oppos box whilst the defender lumps it to land in the D on the edge of their box where Ade will either win it or cause chaos!

We tried and failed as the long ball went straight to James :)