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Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:14 pm
by Douglas Higginbottom
Those who didn't start were out today with 5 EDS players making up 17 outfield players.The 5 being Suarez,Assulin,Rekik,Helan and Scpuzzi.AJ not there but Nigel was even though he didn't take part in the full session. Looked like Nasri had no bandage of any kind on his left hand which was good to see.Yaya was wearing the same boots as Aguero ( same colour anyway)and when he limped out early I reckon he had the same blisters as Aguero got as well. Soon sorted and he was fine.

After an initial jog around they had a drill all about first time passing,short and longish which showed a very good touch throughout.Then onto a team pass and move session which is where Nigel left the group to concentrate on his own one to one with a coach. The EDS lads left for a while as Mancini took the team for a work out and spent quite a bit of time working them in formation.I don't know what he was saying but I expect quite a bit about issues from the Fulham game,how they happened and how to make sure they don't again.

Plenty of passing and moving the team around ,keeping the right balance and shape even as they went for goal. They struggled to score though as Stu taylor was in great form.One or two very specific things worked on as well which may show up in matches soon.I will be watching.Right at the end of this part Mancini did a little extra work just with the defenders before the full group had a match which was 9 a side. And it was a very competitive game.

A few stood out for me,Edin with some very good running and even though he didnt score his touch was really good and he did set up plenty of great situations.From one Asulin will still be wondering how he didnt score but at least he made up for it by scoring a more difficult one just after and again it was from great work by Edin. That equalised a good goal by Milner.It followed great work from Suarez but it was mostly about Milner's great movement and first time finish.

Plenty of close things but defenders mostly winning the battles and none more so than Rekik. I still cant believe he is only 16 (2/12/94 is that real?) Plenty of quality moments but not many goals and then ,when I think it was golden goal time, Silva wriggled free down the left,his shot was blocked and a rebound came off the post for Barry to knock it in but it was fiercely disputed.I am not sure whether it was for offside or the ball going out but the goal was given by the refereeing coaches.

As one or two walked off the rest gathered around a video camera that had been filming the whole game and at ground level with a good angle on what had happened.It took a little while but I think it clearly showed the defending team were correct and the goal should not have stood.No doubt there will be plenty of ribbing going on about that one for some time.I got the feeling that the winning team were not very gracious in their success! Really funny to watch but it does reflect that the training games are taken seriously even if it's just for bragging rights for a short while.

All training sessions are videod but today I think there was at least one extra camera so I wondered whther something might appear on the OS in the near future.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:23 pm
by Kladze
Great report Doug. Thanks.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:25 pm
by Crossie
Thanks Doug,

When you say fiercely disputed, do they actually have smiles on their faces and take it in good humour?

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:30 pm
by Foreverinbluedreams
Thanks Doug.

Do you know why AJ wasn't there? Injury?

I was hoping he'd start Saturday to keep Baines occupied.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:39 pm
by lets all have a disco
Nicely done Douglas.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:52 pm
by Douglas Higginbottom
Crossie wrote:Thanks Doug,

When you say fiercely disputed, do they actually have smiles on their faces and take it in good humour?


Most definitely

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:55 pm
by halnone
Thanks. Great report.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:18 pm
by mancity dan
Great read as always Doug, usually see these second hand on Bluemoon, found out today this is the only forum I can get onto at work so on here now instead.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:37 pm
by Mark (Blue Army)
Top report as always thanks Doug

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 3:03 pm
by dbinod
oh what has happened to adam johnson.i was hoping he will play saturday

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 3:18 pm
by Douglas Higginbottom
dbinod wrote:oh what has happened to adam johnson.i was hoping he will play saturday


I expect nothing serious and he will train tomorrow.Or Mancini will let us all know at the regular press conference.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 4:06 pm
by Biamp
Cheers Doug, great report as usual.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 5:43 pm
by Dunnylad
I don't post that often (although this new app is helping), but Doug your training coverage is a must read every week, let's hope for many more to come :)

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 6:30 pm
by Fesan
Thank you!:-)

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:35 pm
by brite blu sky
sweet report Doug

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 2:11 am
by Slim
Cheers Doug, I will be watching too.

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:54 am
by johnny crossan
About this dome thing Doug - I think your pass needs to be sorted quick!

Re: Training Thursday 22/9

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:45 am
by Douglas Higginbottom
johnny crossan wrote:About this dome thing Doug - I think your pass needs to be sorted quick!



I won't be holding out any hopes but never say never.