A light day today after the harder work of the past 2 days and there did seem to be a little more life and fun around which has grown through the week. Helped right at the start by Silvinho jumping into one of the golf buggies and racing round the pitch shouting as if he was actually a player running for a pass.Then he jumped out with the buggie still rolling and smashed an imaginary shot into the net and adding his own cheers for the goal. Very funny and had the coaching staff laughing.
A bit of keep ball circle followed to get them warmed up and some fun and banter during this with the highlight where Stevie nutmegged Kolo to the wild cheers of everyone else. Kolo proceeded to chase Steve and gave him a big hug when he caught him.Mancini then took an 11 away for some team work in what looked like the formation for Saturday. It could change as Barry wasn't out today and I doubt he has been ruled out yet but they played a few moves starting from the back with Mancini keeping a close eye on everyone's positioning.
After each attack Mancini would take the ball and approach City's defensive positioning with an even keener eye on the set up. Then it was corner practice time and Mancini ensuring the 11 were clear on the zonal positions , including the breaking players. He took the corners himself and he wasn't on his best form. Then he took a few free kicks from the 45 degree angles which Villa seem to like so much. Only a few and if Villa take them like he did today we won't have any problems.
After about 10 minutes he brought on another " team" and went through the same routine but a little quicker and before you know it the planned session was over. Most of the players stayed out either playing keep ball circles stuff for fun or taking free kicks from the edge of the box. Plus Garrido crossing for RSC to finish which was quite good. Best crosser plus best header of the ball = goals.AJ joined to cross from the other side and again just couldnt get the range right consistently.
The free kicks were only moderately good today. Best of the bunch was Nigel!! Yes Nigel so don't be surprised when he lines up to take one on Saturday. His technique was pretty good actually and he scored some beauties but a few did hit row Z as well.When he even got a deflected one to wrong foot Gunnar he thought it was hilarious and went running off in celebration.
Mancini had separately spent some time talking with Fulop with a lot of pointing and gesturing and then he got Bridge and Ade out for some crossing and finishing. Partly I guess as extra fitness work for them both. Bridge hadnt looked that comfortable early on but he took the strapping off his leg and seemed to feel better and his running and crossing didn't seem a problem. Mancini also did some crossing for Ade and got his form back finding his head consistently. Ade looked fine to me for weekend.
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