Just back from Carrington as the start time was changed to 3pm today.And it was a low key day as the first day back after a game.Zaba was leaving as I arrived having done his day inside working on regaining fitness and Barry had also just left.He's carrying an injury which stops him running flat out (no jokes needed) and was really why he came off on Sunday.
Good to see Lescott out there later even though he was only taking part in running and general exercises.Yaya and Clichy were also using today as a full recovery day while the rest of the team went in before the "match" at the end of the session.Carlos was in reception when I entered and was signing loads of shirts and being filmed for Inside City as he did it.Off out to the pitch and noticeably a photogrpaher was oerched on a massive ladder leaning against a tree and looking down on the pitch/players. Jose went over to explain the error of his ways and he left!
15 players on view for the early exercises and then a break where Mancini took a team away for some of the regular preparation for the next game,changing 5 of the players after 5 minutes or so.This was mostly about attacking play,passing and lots of movement.That didn't take long before they came back for a pass and move game with plenty of emphasis on the pressing game.Again not a long session and it's here where the Sunday team went inside.
The remaining players played a 5 a side game with goals all over the place.Milner and Hargreaves probably top individual scorers but goals also forTevez,Dzeko,Kolarov and a new young player called Lombardo.If you believe the press reports there is open revolt at City but today they all disguised this very well.All looked fairly normal today for me even if I cant say the place was buzzing.
I would have been surprised if it had been considering the last 2 results but there was plenty of the normal stuff on view even if the intensity I often see in the game wasnt there.It's the first day back and recovery was still the key thing for the day.Tomorrow will be different I am sure.