Anybody that went today. I know it's hard to truly tell from a friendly game, but did our players look any fitter than they did last season.? Did we use the high press game and if we lost possession, were we quick to attempt to win it back.? If nothing else, today's game should also prove just how potent Bradshaw could be if he gets the right kind of support up front.
The players looked fit for a first friendly game but the team changed completely (apart from Adam Davies) at half time. Daniel Stendel was very vociferous from the start and shouted a lot of instructions to the players including a lot of "push up" style barks and waves. The players seemed to be trying to follow him but weren't that cohesive/prompt in doing so. It was very hot and, when they stopped during the first half for water, the training team took a magnetic board, with counters, onto the pitch and were using the break to get messages/instructions home. Certainly it appeared Stendel knows what he wants and was shouting a lot. It was particularly noticeable that he shouted a lot in first half to Fryers ("Zeki") and, in 2nd half to Hedges ("Hedgie") - don't know if that was because he finds these easier to remember/pronounce ! In 1st half he also gave a lot of "support"/instruction to Dylan Mottley Henry on right wing. Soemtimes he lapsed into German and appeared frustrated on a few occasions when the players did not "engage" as quickly as he would like. He certainly gave the impression that he will be the boss. To me the second half team looked more dangerous in terms of creating chances than the first half team, but the 1st half team included Bradshaw who scored two neat goals. In the second half Moore and Thiam had more opportunities but forced a save from the Trinity goalie on a minority of those chances. Early days yet though........
