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Not exactly warm today but the undersoil heating did it's job and there were two pitches available to use.Firstly congratulations to whoever for finally sorting the netting out to stop photographers getting easy pictures on the 2 pitches nearest the changing rooms.There have been gaps for ever which have been shut off at least. ( shame they can still get longer distance ones from the swamp side.

The best news though was seeing Aguero in full training and with Rodwell alongside him. No Maicon yet although he was out running when I arrived.As the 20 players congregated it was noticeable one player was in shorts. No prizes for guessing and he only had short socks as well! When they got closer one of the young ones was in shorts as well but at least he had long socks. Boyata and Suarez were there at the start again and Lopes came over later for the final game.

Nothing special in the warm ups as they broke into two groups but after a the initial stuff most carried on doing exercise routines while the 2 strikers worked separately with Mancini.Looked like he was focusing on working off each other.Then it was into a game situation as 2 keepers came over,Lawlor and Wright on this occasion. I don't think any goals were scored in what was a very short 5 minute game but I had to break off to throw balls back which had come over from the keeper session.

So after the 5 minute game most came over for more exercise routines while Mancini again took the strikers plus 2 midfield players for more special work on their interplay. Then back again for a 5 minute game where Edin hit the post with a low cross shot and Barry tapped in after a Garcia shot had been saved.5 minutes was up and back for more exercises and Mancini working with the strikers plus 2 other midfield players.

Another goal and this time a top team goal with Carlos ultimately feeding Edin for an easy finish. from behind a curtain it's not easy to see every detail but Kun looked ok and took one heavy challenge with no problems.I couldn't say if he is ready for Saturday and will wait to see what RM says in the pre match press conference. Rodders also looked fine but I am sure he will need more training sessions before he gets back into games.

Drinks then followed by another match of sorts and that's where Lopes came to make up numbers as Kun rested. Mancini took a long time talking to the teams before this started as he was clearly looking for specific things in the "game" and on a few occasions he did stop play to talk more.He remains a meticulous coach who knows what he wants and this game was not just about a free for all.

Mario nicked a ball from a defender to score by taking the ball past the keeper and I think that was the only goal but there was plenty of good play and passing.A good session in the freezing conditions,everyone in top spirits on Zaba's birthday.

Cheers Doug.

Cheers Doug. Glad to see we've got a couple more bodies back.

Cheers Doug. Did they give Zabbers the bumps?

Chinners wrote:Cheers Doug. Did they give Zabbers the bumps?

Would have been fun to watch our mancunian boys doing that. More than likely recognised in the warmth inside.

Cheers, good news on Kun.

Thanks Doug.
What's the story with Boyata. He was already playing with the first team 2 or 3 seasons ago. Was he on loan somewhere ?

Dubaimancityfan wrote:Thanks Doug.
What's the story with Boyata. He was already playing with the first team 2 or 3 seasons ago. Was he on loan somewhere ?

Loaned to Bolton initially but more recently this season to FC Twente in Holland where he didn't make the grade.Just back with us for 2013

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:

Dubaimancityfan wrote:Thanks Doug.
What's the story with Boyata. He was already playing with the first team 2 or 3 seasons ago. Was he on loan somewhere ?

Loaned to Bolton initially but more recently this season to FC Twente in Holland where he didn't make the grade.Just back with us for 2013

Cheers Doug.

Only thing i m wonder if Nasri will put amazing Milner on bench or would Milner go back on Garcia position all do i think hes great on right side last games that he play.

If I'm Mancini I'm playing the exact same lineup as vs Arsenal except maybe with AK on the left to rest Clichy. Milner has done everything to prove he should be starting every game right now and keep Nasri on the bench.

Maybe put him centrally alongside Barry and drop Garcia for Nasri though.

Milner provides us with width when playing on the right and puts in some dangerous crosses. Him and zaba work well together. Nasri doesn't off either of those. He is more the Silva type player, and considering form, no way would i drop jimmy jaws.

chips wrote:Milner provides us with width when playing on the right and puts in some dangerous crosses. Him and zaba work well together. Nasri doesn't off either of those. He is more the Silva type player, and considering form, no way would i drop jimmy jaws.

Milner works well with Zaba but he works brilliantly with Silva. If he doesn't play it's because he deserves a rest but for me he plays

Milner has done more than enough to deserve a run of games and long may it continue. Might be a good psychological kick up the hole for Nasri to be sat on the bench for a spell.

Thanks Douglas

littlebig wrote:Milner has done more than enough to deserve a run of games and long may it continue. Might be a good psychological kick up the hole for Nasri to be sat on the bench for a spell.

Thanks Douglas

If Nasri is to play, it should be in place of Barry or Garcia, depending on the importance of the game. Certainly not Milner.

Ted Hughes wrote:

littlebig wrote:Milner has done more than enough to deserve a run of games and long may it continue. Might be a good psychological kick up the hole for Nasri to be sat on the bench for a spell.

Thanks Douglas

If Nasri is to play, it should be in place of Barry or Garcia, depending on the importance of the game. Certainly not Milner.

Yeah, I think we should be able to fit Nasri in against Fulham at home. I would definately not drop Milner as he's been playing his best football since joining IMO.

just watched InsideCity's coverage of the keeper portion of this training session. Seen it Doug? Is that exercise against the wall typical? thats a great exercise..never seen one like it.