Training the day after the Humiliation at the Swamp

[Douglas Higginbottom]

None of the players from yesterday of course but worth going down anyway.Didnt see it all as I got back to kip after the early morning rambling post and was therefore late arriving (so sack me!) but saw the full game they had at the end. It was 8 a side so 14 outfield players.All the main first team squadders(including Bridge and Nedum) plus Rekik,Suarez and Scapuzzi.It was a good competitive game well worth the entry fee.

Dominated by full backs for a while too as first Zaba scored a nice goal followed by a typical Kolarov goal to equalise.Edin scored an excellent header from a corner and then was extremely unlucky with 2 shots which cannoned off the post with the keeper just watching. Nedum's turn to score next as he found himself at center forward and finished very well and very soon after Scapuzzi was in the same position with the same result.The final move of the game was pure quality as Nasri waltzed through leaving players on the ground before he rolled it across for a simple finish for Scapuzzi.

All through the game Kolo stood out for his competitive attitude. I think he wanted to win more than anyone. Razak I felt was worthy of a mention but everyone put in a proper shift. I think 11 from this lot would only have won by won goal yesterday :)

One of the physios asked me if I enjoyed the game yesterday. Strange!

[john@staustell]

11 players have a day off? Slack, very slack.

[bobby brows]

Cheers Doug

How was Scapuzzi looked in training since he came? Its occured to me that he's prob 4th choice striker at the moment!

Its also a little early but any signs of what the Carling Cup team will be?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers Doug

How was Scapuzzi looked in training since he came? Its occured to me that he's prob 4th choice striker at the moment!

Its also a little early but any signs of what the Carling Cup team will be?

Scapuzzi looks ok but apart from today hasn't trained with the squad for a while. A bit lightweight maybe but when the work is done on a small pitch as they always do it's hard for any attacking player to find space to play the game they might be used to. Essential though to learn and develop the touch and awareness to play at the higher levels.Suarez also the same.He loves to run with the ball but there is no chance of that in the training games so he has to add to his repertoire and get his head up quickly.

There will be some guaranteed names for the wednesday team and just a few around the edges to work out. Hargreaves won't be a cert though as he was working separately with a physio again today and might not be ready.

[Dameerto]

The players were clearly absent because they'd all fallen out with Bob. It's a worrying lack of confidence that concerns me with the team.

[s1ty m]

The players were clearly absent because they'd all fallen out with Bob. It's a worrying lack of confidence that concerns me with the team.

No, it's team spirit that's missing. Massive disharmony in the squad. It's shite. I say it again, we should be higher up the league than we are.

[guv111]

Looking forward to seeing the team for the League Cup match. I would be great if a side of reserve/squad players could show the same kind of keep-ball invention the senior lads have shown for the past six or seven months.

[Goaters 103]

Day off? Obviously an indication that Mancini has lost the dressing room, the club has no spirit, and until we become a team we will struggle. Oh, and of course we "havent played any of the top sides yet" .......... !

[ruralblue]

I wonder if they have had a mass walk out?, no back bone in the squad no more, no team spirit and all just in it for the money!

[phips]

that 11 sounds like it could be suiting up vs. Wolves on wednesday.

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

Looking forward to seeing the team for the League Cup match. I would be great if a side of reserve/squad players could show the same kind of keep-ball invention the senior lads have shown for the past six or seven months.

That is exactly what that shadow team did v Airtricity in Dublin.

[brite blu sky]

Wolves game should indeed be interesting... quite a number of players who will be hungry to keep the pace up too although I wouldn't second guess Mancini as to whether Nasri, AJ and Zabba for instance would be started, or will it be the team that beat Brum?

[Dunnylad]

Is GA around at the moment Doug or did his twitter rant see him out to grass a little?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Is GA around at the moment Doug or did his twitter rant see him out to grass a little?

I have seen him at Carrington but not training with the first team.I expect he will play tomorrow in the senior cup game v Stockport.Will let you know if he is and how he plays.

[Dunnylad]

Cheers Mr H quite how we cope before you dedicated the time to going & reporting back is beyond me! :)