Maybe the last time peering over fences today at Carrington and typically it lashed down with rain most of the time. The usual 11am became a noon start which didnt help no doubt to fit in with travel plans down to London.The good news was that all the expected/hoped for players were out today after a few missed yesterday or finished early.Especially Silva who limped out yesterday which was a bit of a concern.No signs of any issues at all.Micah was out again late on doing some more running.
Suarez and Rekik were extra players today making up the numbers.Got the traditional wave from the boss as they came close to the fencing to do initial warm ups and the keep ball circles.I have probably just got used to it but a mother and son ,watching for the first time today,commented on how closely Mancini was watching the work they were doing in all the warm up stuff.Very true and typical of how seriously he takes it all.
Also very noticeable was how good the spirit is through the team.Constant chatter and not just in any cliques you might expect.One nice moment was when Silva picked Nigel up in a sort of fireman's lift (not textbook style though)Throughout everything today I felt there was more intensity as I suppose might be normal as matchday approaches.They just seemed to mean it more even in the most basic routines.Perhaps the intruding photographers will have taken pictures to reflect this and the great spirit and be positive for a change.I won't hold my breath.
And onto the match to conclude the session and plenty to enjoy even if there was only 1 goal. And it was a beauty with a superb fast bending cross from Clichy met perfectly by that great header of the ball at the far post to steer it back across to the far corner giving the keeper no chance. AJ won't have headed a better goal!
Good goalkeeping at both ends,some excellent last ditch tackling (Joleon,Kolo,Vinnie especially) and a few near misses kept the score to 1 nil when Mancini called it a day. Kolo was on the same team as Savic and always encouraging with shouts and advice.Sergio was very lively if not that often playing as a classic center forward.Nigel was all over the place both cutting out attacks in great style but also looking to get forward at any chance.
Neither Suarez or Rekik looked out of place even if they didn't manage a special moment.Rekik in more of an advanced wide left role a lot of the time.At the end a few stayed out for extras.Nigel and Milner as regulars along with Mario and also no surprise to see Clichy working on some defensive stuff with one of the coaches.
A bit of a shame that a few young lads decided to shout out at some of the players and Kidd.They seemed to expect them to stop work,come over and climb a fence to give autographs in the middle of everything.Perhaps another reason for making the fences higher.
The mancityfans.net football forum
The BEST FORUM in all the land and all the world
