“But while we always want to win because winning breeds confidence, we can’t let the result detract from a very successful two weeks for the boys. “They have worked extremely hard and the level we are at is very good because of that training. But perhaps the 90 minutes tonight was a bit too much because of the work we’ve been doing. I’ve been very hard on them and that showed. “The key thing is that the players will feel the benefits when they return to training next week. “I’ve really enjoyed the training and putting them through their paces. I’ve been very hard on them and enjoyed seeing them sweat. “The boys know that if they hurt now and they get through the tough periods then they’ll be fitter for it and in a better place to go into the season. “All in all, it’s been a very successful week" Everyone is disappointed with the result against Minnesota, but if Monk says they have been working very hard then it is understandable that they went into the match tired. We can only assume, as is normal at this time of year, that he is getting everyones base fitness levels back up to scratch - so in all fairness they are probably knackered. After 10 games in the Prem we will be in a better position to judge where our season is going. Personally I think we'll be fine.
Pgf, do you know what i am not disappointed with the result although it was poor against a second rate side. It was the performance and what appeared to be lack of effort. We are here now debating Michu and his lack of heart for the club. Well i saw 20 odd players on that pitch who looked like they couldnt be arsed. Monk isnt going to saying anything other than they have been working hard. He has already found the excuses for a piss poor performance. The problem is after 10 games there is no transfer window and we are stuck with what we got. Sorry My fault for going a bit of topic.
Haha this is interesting, and sorry to dig up an old topic. But triple sessions every day for two weeks? Played against Chivas in the evening and then training the morning after? Cardio, Weights and Ball sessions each day. Add in the fact that it's pretty hot at this time of year and 'knackered' sounds about right. Throughout the season, double sessions will be standard. To do triple sessions for two weeks straight to start off pre-season should have brought the boys' base fitness levels right up - the World Cup players (Ki and Bony) should have good fitness levels already as they've been training and playing all Summer. In other news, nice to see Vorm and Ben officially, and on Twitter, thank the Swans fans. It's a genuine shame that we didn't get that from Michu. A gutter in fact.
Davies and Vorm were treated different than the "Spainish " players on the out , I understand Michu's bitterness that might have clouded his feelings toward fans . Nothing but respect for Michu , my memories will be of him taking the league by storm in our first season , not his reaction to how the spanish players were crapped on after Laudrup was cut loose
That is the main point of these tours; fitness. Hopefully the boys will be raring to go come the start of the season.
Sorry but I disagree roof, Michu can **** off after the support we have given him. No class from him whereas Vorm and Ben showed their class.
I'm not so sure that there is an anti-Spanish approach/sentiment from Monk. Vasquez was never our player and regardless of his nationality, whether he was Spanish, French or a bloody Eskimo, he would have been shown the door at the end of the season. Of the 4 Spanish players who have left, or are rumoured to be leaving, Pablo - has one year left on his contract. He probably has said that he would not extend, so it would appear sensible to sell him and generate some cash now, rather than loose him for nothing next Summer. Has he gone simply because he is Spanish? Pozuelo - for whatever reasons, and despite his undoubted potential, Poz appears to either cause or attract problems. Wasn't there an issue at Real Betis before he signed for us? So has he gone simply because he is Spanish? Canas - when he joined, I expected that he would displace Leon as first choice defensive midfielder. Apart from a few glimpses, he has, by and large, disappointed. We need someone more consistent and / or better. Perhaps with Poz gone, Canas may stay and fight - perhaps he perceives an anti-Spanish attitude? Now to the "enigma" that is Michu. In his first season, he was fantastic and on the back of that season's displays, deservedly gained a Spanish cap. However, injury initially hindered him last season (post the Cardiff defeat), he broke up with his girlfriend (or so I have read) and he could easily have been pi**ed-off with his perception of how ML was treated. He seems to have wanted out - but did we agree so readily because he is Spanish? If there was an anti-Spanish sentiment then why do we still have Amat, Chico and (the half-Welsh) Rangel? Also, isn't Pep Clotet, Monk's assistant, Spanish? I struggle to believe that he would sit idly by if he thought that his fellow Spaniards were being shafted? Just my thoughts - may be completely wrong!
Taff good post mate, agree completely with everything you posted there, just like to add that Michu's attitude stinks, and the sooner we sell him the better!.................
