3.30 start today but not a problem although the sun was very low making viewing awkward and I guess it would have made it challenging for photographers. None turned up though. No Micah today although he was out working 1 to 1 later so his injury wasn't bad.Also no Yaya who I think was left out as a precaution on the day before a game.Michael Johnson and Assulin both around but training with the EDS.
I got there a little early as I anticipated a slightly earlier start but the only ones out then were Guidetti and Razak treating me to some ball skills but eventually they came out and did very gentle warm up stuff.It even included them all being around the center circle and doing some kind of okey cokey in the middle doing a designated exercise which the players were asked to choose themselves.
After warm ups Mancini took a team ( probably THE team) for some basic work on passing movements leaving the rest just doing keep ball circle passing.That lasted 5 minutes or so and Mancini changed a few personnel and the system for another 5 minutes.Then it was a game of 9 or side for the last 15 minutes or so to give me some real action to watch:)
A number of things stood out for me in the game. Joe Hart seemed more like his old self which was great and he was also louder than usual. Don't get wrong Joe has always been pretty loud, shouting to his back 4 but he seemed louder to me today.Not just in positional stuff but also in pure encouragement.Goals by Barry and Dzeko took the eye with Dzeko's first touch and volley absolutely superb. Jo knocked in a couple of nice ones and one with his right foot.
Guidetti on the other hand did miss a couple of "sitters". I don't like to mention such things normally but he was trying so hard, his running was very good and his positional play also very good but somehow the chances just wouldnt go in. Moments after each one he had his hands on his head and I can imagine what he was thinking.One miss was greeted with Nigel screamimg " for f....s sake finish them" Classic. Whilst I know the job is all about scoring John don't worry and do it when it matters.
Good to see Tevez looking fit again. The funny one for me today was when Kolarov scored a nice goal from well inside the box after 1 or 2 passes with Silva. Vinnie wasnt a happy bunny with his gesticulations and shouting and I got the distinct impression that it was everyone elses fault.
The coach arrived just after the training started and I would guess they would be off to Brum at about 6.
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