Some thoughts after the Marseille game on individual players. Be interested to see if people agree or disagree. 1) Rashica. For me, he was largely disappointing last season, and the only reason he didn't get fans on his back was the fact that a lot of other players were much more disappointing. The more I see him play, the more I see him as a classical winger: someone who can trick past his man and then put in a cross. I don't see him as suited to the wing play needed in possession football because I don't get the impression that he can see the bigger picture. He's better with a clear target man. 2) Which brings me to Hugill. If Rashica + a target man is to become Plan B (or even sometimes Plan A) this season, I'd argue that Hugill is much better suited to it than Sargent. From what we've seen so far pre-season, I think we should keep Hugill if Plan B is going to be used regularly. 3) I'm not sure what I think about Cantwell. He looked very good yesterday, but after the last two seasons I am very worried about trusting that this new-found commitment will last. Was he working his socks off yesterday just to put himself in the shop window and then he'll become disruptive again as soon as the transfer window closes? Perhaps if he extends his contract, that would be enough proof of his good intentions? 4) Sorensen. Never lets us down, but will he just go back to being a bit player only called upon when there's an injury? If so, I think he should leave for his own sake. 5) Tzolis. Probably leaving, but I'd personally like him to stay, especially if Cantwell goes wobbly again. I don't see him as a classical winger at all, and I don't imagine he'd be used in Plan B. But from the little I have seen of him, I think he has a good vision of the overall attacking position, works well with other players, and he could be used when we are focusing on possession football against weaker teams.
(1) When Rashica first arrived, he looked very much like a winger but then he adapted his game to cut in more as well. I think he does both well, but with Hugill playing, he saw crossing to be the better option. The key question for me is will we play with an AM (4-2-3-1) or a deep playmaker (4-3-2-1 or 4-3-3)? The first suits Cantwell or Dowell with Milot playing wider while the second requires cutting into the half space between FB and CB with our FBs providing the width. (2) I'd guess that Hugill will feature mainly as a late sub if we're behind. Sargent is more likely to feature as a WR option like he did so often last year. (3) I think Cantwell has seen the light and the commitment is genuine. The Bournemouth snub may have been the key factor. Much may depend on whether he's willing to sign a new contract. (4) Sørensen is developing with game time and that goal was quite a statement. With Hayden still recovering he will have a decent run of games and his ability to cover at CB or FB is another big advantage. (5) Like Sørensen, Tzolis needs game time to develop. Interesting that he proved to be the target man a couple of times yesterday when Sargent was also on. There's a lot of competition in the wide positions though, which may leave him frustrated. May depend on whether the Belgians are willing to pay an acceptable amount.
I hate to brag - but I will - one of our party used to play for Marseille and got us an air conditioned box. Full marks to the contingent of our fans who were out in the sun. Easy to get carried away with one performance but City were brilliant. Apart from the first few minutes they were in control and Marseille could not cope with our pressing and quick break game. Cantwell was either playing to get his place in the team or to impress a watching Scout but his performance and effort were exemplary. There was not a weakness in the team even when substitutions were made despite the heat - and believe me it was hot!! Championship - here we come!!
The stadium looked pretty basic, only 1 side has a roof and the stand behind one of the goals wasn't even raised it looked more like a car park . Surprised they had V.I.P hospitality boxes with air con.
it was Stade Parsemain, in Fos-sur-Mer, about 30 miles west of Marseille; capacity 17,000. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stade_Parsemain [Edit] It's also used for the Toulon U19s tournament
The stadium behind the goal Sorensen scored looks like it doubles up as an allotment or Spaghetti Western set
Tomorrow's game against Cambridge has moved to 8pm & the official site stream is priced at £5 . The Kings Lynn free one wouldn't cast to my TV and I watched the last 20 minutes on my phone . They shouldn't charge but a fiver for the club to set up cameras and broadcast it isn't too bad . I'll check if it's on hesgoal.com first
You're clearly fascinated Duncan. Here's a video from the Toulon tournament featuring a young goalkeeper, Ryoyo Kimura, doing a very passable imitation of Tim Krul while defending the goal at that end of the Stadium. Enjoy! https://festival-foot-espoirs.com/en/festival/detail_actualite.php?id=5258
I was more interested as I was trying to figure out where the air conditioned corporate boxes were located. The 4 brave City fans in their own stand didn't even have any shelter from the sun . 3 sides completely exposed to the elements one car park looking thing with an ambulance parked behind the goal and one stand with a roof. Maybe they didn't have the money to finish it off ?
I think the "mystery" of the corporate boxes is explained by the existence of a second stand, on the opposite side of the ground to the stand seen on the video stream. The cameras were in that second stand.
Fooled us as well when we originally tried to buy tickets!! To be fair the venue was clearly set out in the pre-match advertising. Where we were was on the halfway line in the shady area of the covered stand. They were not corporate boxes so much as enclosed boxes with comfy seats and small mobile air conditioning units. Far better area around this ground for drinks before and after the game but it did mean that one of our party had to drive whereas we had intended to go by train. Apparently they often use this ground for training matches etc
Did you manage to get pitchdside to give the boys a little clap afterwards ? I usually take my kids to pre season as the players are more relaxed and happy to take pictures and sign shirts. An ex girlfriend of mine went to University in Montpellier, Been there many times lovely part of the World in summer .
