In the absence of DH report re training today

[Rammyblue]

Heres NMTs report from BM

Popped down to Carrington today, my first visit of the season and i certainly noticed a couple of differences from last season.

The day started with the usual warm-ups and then onto the ball work circles, nothing too different with the session just the personnel who were more involved.

VK now has this air of confidence about his work, leading all the sessions, directing what goes on talking to the team all the time.

Ballotelli has knuckled down too compared to his happy go lucky attitude from last season, there seems to be more of a determination, well at least today there was!

Moved onto a short sided game, 2 touch some very skilful touches here, Silva, Ballotelli, Dzeko and SWP looking really sharp.

We left as Mancini was taking the team through a defensive corner and the positions he wanted certain people, an individual didn't quite grasp what he wanted as the first corner was taken, Mancini reacts as he always does with a slam of his clipboard to the floor and throwing his arms as is the italian way. The second corner was defended superbly!

Shame i didn't bump into DH, he's probably off preparing a cricket square somewhere on a Saturday.

Looking forward to taking little NMT to Bolton tomorrow.

NMT

Sorry guys should have mentioned that there wasn't any NDJ today, i spoke to a coach who advised me that he will be having a fitness test later today, they were hopeful of him being fit, but that they will only play him if he's 100%, there's no point risking him was the comment from the coach.

[Mikhail Chigorin]

If Big Nige is missing from tomorrow's line up, wonder if Bobby Manc will play Zabaletta in the holding role ??

If, instead, Yaya was given that responsibility, we could lose something going forward, so the only other options would be to either use Barry, or not to play with an out and out defensive midfielder at all.

Think I'd prefer the latter choice.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Not play with a defensive midfield player!!!! Are you kidding?

I think it's nailed on we will have one,probably 2 and maybe 3 or 4 at least in the eyes of the press:) I would be surprised though if Zaba got the role.

[Blue Toy]

I'd like to see it given to Milner, he did well there last season a couple of times.

[Crossie]

Not play with a defensive midfield player!!!! Are you kidding?

I think it's nailed on we will have one,probably 2 and maybe 3 or 4 at least in the eyes of the press:) I would be surprised though if Zaba got the role.

Surprised because he [strike]assaulted[/strike] tackled Mancini on Friday?!!?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Not play with a defensive midfield player!!!! Are you kidding?

I think it's nailed on we will have one,probably 2 and maybe 3 or 4 at least in the eyes of the press:) I would be surprised though if Zaba got the role.

Surprised because he [strike]assaulted[/strike] tackled Mancini on Friday?!!?

No just because I don't see him as a midfielder full stop. Sure he can do a job there if we need it for say Acarling Cup but when there are better players available for the role(Milner/Barry or Yaya) I would be surprised if he got the job before them. I might actually prefer Razak there than Zaba ( and yes I do loev Zaba but I just don't think he has the touch or awareness for the role.

[twosips]

One of Zaba's best games in a City shirt....

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNew ... 12,00.html

Played defensive mid ;)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

One of Zaba's best games in a City shirt....

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNew ... 12,00.html

Played defensive mid ;)

OK I read the report and............... The only mention Zaba got was a clash of heads. To be honest i don't remember too much about that game apart from Chelsea were all over us and we were shocking up to about half time when Tevez scored a freaky goal and then in the 2nd half Bellers and Tevez ripped them apart.

Nothing about Zaba but if you say so on that one performance let's get Zaba in a defensive midfield role and either leave out Barry,Yaya and Milner or find them something else to do.Personally I don't think he has enough of what it takes to be a good central midfield player at the top level.

[paulmclaren]

I really cannot see mancini keeping this squad together, its going to be a knight mare lol.