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Too hot for training today yet still 3 players played in long sleeve gear. I decided to go early today having seen Sky on tv and expecting there would be nowhere left to park.I wasn't far wrong either as at 10.25 I got the last spot in the layby.

Trouble is they didn't come out for the usual 11 start and it ended closer to 12 but it did give me a chance for a little look at the EDS boys.Cameramen all over the place and even a video crew beind the fence for the first time in ages.Last time they were asked to leave but not this time.A full squad eventually came out in small groups and my guess is the delay (if indeed they were due out earlier) was down to a long talk from the boss. Just me speculating of course.

Once out it was into a few of the usual jogs/stretches and gentle excercises before Mancini took a team away as he does.Exactly the same team as started against Bayern so i don't think that gave anything away re the BBurn game.Surely we won't be starting the same 11 for that. I didn't watch that closely but a little time spent on things from Tuesday might have been on the cards.The video camera was all over it so if it was sky we might see some of it on telly later.Whilst this was going on the rest did keep ball circle stuff which at one point petered out and the coaches had to kick start it again

Then onto a game with all but one outfield player taking part. Kolo went in but it did include Razak,Nedum and Bridge.Somehow,although competitive,it didnt have the usual zip and intensity that I see so often and there was only one goal coming from Silva. Nice finish from a Mario pass.Defences mostly on top with a few decent saves by both keepers but the only other notable thing was probably Mario getting hurt. Quite a worry for a while but he was up and at it later so I am sure all is well.

As the game ended a few had some shooting practice ( AJ,Milner are the 2 I recall) whilst Zaba did a little extra running and the rest just sat/lay down doing end of session stretching. As I said too hot for training and I needed a drink.

Did you go for a beer then Doug?

Sounds a bit like the clouds have descended around the players.


Sometimes, although you would never wish it, a crisis is what is needed to clear the air and get a new sense of perspective.

Not sure about others on here, but I for one have been concerned that the team in general were on a bit of cloud9 and seemed to think that teams would roll over for a tummy tickle. I have been unimpressed with the performances from the players - including the Swansea game, even the Spurs game showed how they can just slack right off to a dangerous level. Possibly only the Toffees game showed a desire and commitment to getting a job done and that game had a seasons worth of incentive.

Point is that as DeJong has come out and said, City need to move on and fast. Done right this will clear the air with players pissed at Tevez in general, it will cement Mancini's authority and re-start a togetherness with those that are committed to the cause. Again if City act quickly it gives Mancini authority to go on the rampage about poor performances and for the team and whole squad to kick the illusions they seem to be living under and get started with showing what they can do week in week out whatever the opposition level.

Straight home and a pint of milk.

The players were not at their liveliest today for sure which in a way is to be expected but equally the first training session after a match tends not to be the most intense.I would expect a little more tomorrow.I am pleased if Nigel has come out and said something as you have suggested.I do hope the team pulls together even more after the events of Tuesday to get further behind the manager and to get the right result at Blackburn.The BBurn game is very very important.

Cheers Doug .... how did Tevez look?

Chinners wrote:Cheers Doug .... how did Tevez look?

Handsome as ever.

A bit of respite, thank you Doug. I'm just hoping that what happened on Tuesday hasn't split the camp, and as you say, they are up for it for the Chicken Pluckers.

brite blu sky wrote:
I have been unimpressed with the performances from the players - including the Swansea game, even the Spurs game showed how they can just slack right off to a dangerous level. Possibly only the Toffees game showed a desire and commitment to getting a job done and that game had a seasons worth of incentive.

You do realise we've averaged 20-25 shots per game and have played generally non-stop attacking football this season.

What the hell would impress you then?

Sorry, but we really do have some miserable fuckers on here.

aaron bond wrote:

brite blu sky wrote:
I have been unimpressed with the performances from the players - including the Swansea game, even the Spurs game showed how they can just slack right off to a dangerous level. Possibly only the Toffees game showed a desire and commitment to getting a job done and that game had a seasons worth of incentive.

You do realise we've averaged 20-25 shots per game and have played generally non-stop attacking football this season.

What the hell would impress you then?

Sorry, but we really do have some miserable fuckers on here.

First time ive been called a miserable fucker. But then i suppose you may think Bobby a miserable fucker too as he is also not happy with letting stupid chances for goals happen.
Loads of shots and dominating games is in some part due to top class players, part due to creativity, part due to allowing players to roam in the final 3rd, partly also that oppos have shrunk back into their areas. So yes that's great there is no doubt, but the way in which some of the same top class players have then slackened off and not put a shift in to see through a game is really quite alarming and Mancini is aware of that and is commenting on it publically after nearly each game, The reason not to be happy is that kind of attitude and mentality will not see us challenge for the title, we will throw games away against determined sides... as indeed we have already seen.

Last season i was all about giving the team time to get used to themselves whatever happened and was well known on here for arguing for perspective, this season however, bar bedding in Aguero to the PL, there are no excuses. Making mistakes is fine, repeating them is not very good, continually repeating them shows a problem.

Hope this helps

Eh Doug, just noticed that your reports have their own page on Bluemoon. I hope you've authorised their release ;-)

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:As the game ended a few had some shooting practice ( AJ,Milner are the 2 I recall)

How did AJ look? Fit enough to play Saturday?

phips wrote:

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:As the game ended a few had some shooting practice ( AJ,Milner are the 2 I recall)

How did AJ look? Fit enough to play Saturday?

I would say so yes.

Beefymcfc wrote:Eh Doug, just noticed that your reports have their own page on Bluemoon. I hope you've authorised their release ;-)

Wouldnt say they have their own page but yes in the answer.