19 players on view today with the keepers away on another pitch working away.I was out early and the players came out in small groups and there just seemed a really good feeling about the whole group. I get some of it from the twitter exchanges between Joleon,Vinnie,Micah and Nigel but it's all very evident close up that they really are a close group.
All the players will have done warm up stuff inside before coming out.How much they do will probably be more down to them than any strict regime and varies from 15 to 20 minutes and maybe up to 40 or 45 so when they come out it's always quite gentle to start with with jogs and a some simple routines. They then played a pass and move game which I have seen plenty of times before but there was a difference today.
It's always either 1 or 2 touch but today there was no tackling and no talking for the first 5 minutes or so.The ball was moved around quickly enough and mostly one touch but nobody was shouting for the ball and the defending team were closing down but not actually winning the ball back.Very interesting watching the slick passing and ,with all familiar movements, the players knowing where passes could go and making all the right moves.
Then they moved onto some short sharp fitness drills.Lescott did something different as I assume it was felt he needed a little bit of running.Then it was Mancini time to take a team for some tactical work.I think somebody raised the question recently re whether they ever practice throw ins.Well they did today and for quite a lengthy session too.It wasnt designed to be clever rocket science moves but simple effective plays and if deep in our half,safe ones as well.This was done with effectively 2 teams and working on throw ins from all areas of the pitch.
And so onto the game which immediately sprung into life with a superb Sergio shot and an even better save from Joe.The first goal was from Silva , a left foot volley when the ball broke to him in a central position.Samir Nasri scored a sweet equaliser and very nearly a 2nd as he weaved his way through.Maybe one touch two many but the skill as he got through was brilliant.AJ also nearly scored as he went passed the keeper but ran out of space.His appeal for a penalty fell on deaf ears ( quite right too)
Joe was looking in great nick as ever and always so vocal
The EDS training had finished but quite a few stayed onto watch this game which was quite a stri=ong one today ( Courtney Meppen-Walters,Sean Tse,De SIlva,Ellabdaloui,Evans(I think)
Suarez brought an ooohh from watchers (including Platty near me) with a great curler which hit the bar and bounced in play
Kolarov got what I feared was a tweaked knee but played on and said later it was fine
He then took out AJ in a fierce tackle as AJ numegged him
Edin went close
Joe another top saveAguero close with a header before Kidd said last minute
It was Aguero again with some marvellous attacking play,great touch,great accaleration,past the keeper and scored
Great way to end a strong practice game although Joe wasnt the happiest as he took time to pick himself up.When he did though it was into some fun goalscoring of his own to finish the day.Headers,volleys anything as long as he managed to score a few.
Sergio and Edin stayed back for some words from the boss.
The mancityfans.net football forum
The BEST FORUM in all the land and all the world
