Cup Final Wednesday Training
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:36 pmA very big group at the start today for MP's briefing but a few went in straight after leaving 21 to take part in the day's outside training.I chatted to the security guard walking the perimeter and good to know he was a true City fan looking ahead to having a drink in the Green Man on Sunday.A few younger ones involved today who I assume are just too old for the game in Madrid tonight. Hiwula and Plummer plus Greg Leigh maybe getting a bonus training with the group as he was sent off recently playing for the EDS.Also Wabara who I haven't seen for a while and one other lad I couldn't place at all. (unless he is Abu but I thought he had gone now) Also Ian Lawlor with the keepers as Wright was missing today.
The best news for me was confirmation that Kun was there.All the usual stuff for starters before 3 keep ball circles with players rotating to the next one as soon as the ball is won.Then after a sprint or two and some more stretches it was into an attack v defence game.The defence team had to try to work the ball to the half way line and find a player while the others had to score.It was a seriously competitive game too.Strong tackling and MP right in the middle of the action working especially with the defensive parts of both teams encouraging fast closing down of the ball at all times.
A utd fan walking his dog stopped for a watch and I am sure was impressed.He had to be after watching that drivel last night.There were also plenty inside watching on and I assume Inside City will have some footage of what looked like a family who had won a Carrington visit.2 stand outs for me in this session were Lescott and Garcia.Both reading the game and defending really well.They had some time playing this which was one touch only.Not easy at all but some of the players did it very naturally.One crazy moment where a great touch from Milner took him running free at Joe Hart but he couldnt take the shot so it was Micah screaming past him for the shot which Joe blocked.
Another was a great chipped pass from Demic which Edin got to with an outstretched foot but again Joe made the save.A very worrying moment came when Negredo laid a ball off for Kun but his first time shot was saved.He went for the rebound but fell awkwardly and I think there was a sharp intake of breath all round as it didn't look good.But he got up and was fine.Phew.This whole session,including when the teams swapped roles was really high intensity and enjoyable to watch.Plenty of quality in defending and attacking and no quarter given at all.
That game switched to a "normal" game on a smaller pitch and again it was good intensity.Plenty of near things and when it looked like no goals at all a cross from Milner after a good Edin pass was finished off by Hiwula but chalked off by the offside flag which did not go down well.Dodgy decision for me.At the other end Zaba was upended to give Kun a penalty chance which he smashed home.Then straight down the other end and a Micah charge straight down the inside right channel( you know what I mean) ended with him passing inside and being taken out at the same time.The shot was blocked and no penalty given which did not go down well.Only training..you could have fooled me.
Kun scored another after great link up play involving Yaya and then the guy I didn't know tapped one in to round it all off.Really good session to watch including the victorious side link arms to watch the losers do a couple of punishment runs.Must try and get there tomorrow for what might be the last on before travelling.
The best news for me was confirmation that Kun was there.All the usual stuff for starters before 3 keep ball circles with players rotating to the next one as soon as the ball is won.Then after a sprint or two and some more stretches it was into an attack v defence game.The defence team had to try to work the ball to the half way line and find a player while the others had to score.It was a seriously competitive game too.Strong tackling and MP right in the middle of the action working especially with the defensive parts of both teams encouraging fast closing down of the ball at all times.
A utd fan walking his dog stopped for a watch and I am sure was impressed.He had to be after watching that drivel last night.There were also plenty inside watching on and I assume Inside City will have some footage of what looked like a family who had won a Carrington visit.2 stand outs for me in this session were Lescott and Garcia.Both reading the game and defending really well.They had some time playing this which was one touch only.Not easy at all but some of the players did it very naturally.One crazy moment where a great touch from Milner took him running free at Joe Hart but he couldnt take the shot so it was Micah screaming past him for the shot which Joe blocked.
Another was a great chipped pass from Demic which Edin got to with an outstretched foot but again Joe made the save.A very worrying moment came when Negredo laid a ball off for Kun but his first time shot was saved.He went for the rebound but fell awkwardly and I think there was a sharp intake of breath all round as it didn't look good.But he got up and was fine.Phew.This whole session,including when the teams swapped roles was really high intensity and enjoyable to watch.Plenty of quality in defending and attacking and no quarter given at all.
That game switched to a "normal" game on a smaller pitch and again it was good intensity.Plenty of near things and when it looked like no goals at all a cross from Milner after a good Edin pass was finished off by Hiwula but chalked off by the offside flag which did not go down well.Dodgy decision for me.At the other end Zaba was upended to give Kun a penalty chance which he smashed home.Then straight down the other end and a Micah charge straight down the inside right channel( you know what I mean) ended with him passing inside and being taken out at the same time.The shot was blocked and no penalty given which did not go down well.Only training..you could have fooled me.
Kun scored another after great link up play involving Yaya and then the guy I didn't know tapped one in to round it all off.Really good session to watch including the victorious side link arms to watch the losers do a couple of punishment runs.Must try and get there tomorrow for what might be the last on before travelling.