Edin Dzeko took a well-earned ice-bath plunge, at the end but with every good story, there is a beginning. Ours starts with a mean-looking Balkans trio of of Aleks Kolarov, Dzeko and Stefan Savic - must be something in the water those boys drink that gives them the edgy look.
Gael Clichy has been training like a demon since he joined and he’s fitted into the squad like a glove. Here he is doing his pre-training stretches. Nice easy day ahead? No chance!
Less than an hour later the lads were gasping for breath and a drink after an intense, but focused training session. They enjoyed it too, with the new season drawing ever closer and the need to step things up a notch.
New-boy Savic has impressed everyone with his strength and stamina and looks to be an excellent addition to the squad. He must have run a total distance that Forrest Gump would have been pleased with today.
The gaffer looked pleased with his team’s work-out too, even posing for a relaxed smile for the camera for Sharon, though his whistle never too far from his lips.
And we reach the end - ice-baths all round, though admittedly it does look as though it’s an Oscar from Sesame Street reunion. Mario had the last word when asked why he wasn’t taking a dip. ‘In there?’ he asked. ‘They must be crazy! No chance!’
