Stuart Pearce was pleased with aspects of City's performance despite their narrow defeat against FC Porto in Saturday's Thomas Cook Trophy match.
Speaking to mcfc.co.uk after the match, the Manager said: “There was a marked contrast in each half, we allowed them too much time on the ball but it was a great lesson for us. We put a bit more pressure on in the second half and upped the tempo.
“From a physical point of view it showed that we needed that 90 minutes, but I was delighted with today’s performance. It could have been better but it brings to the fore certain things we are good at and those we are not so good at.”
Georgios Samaras hit the post just after half-time and Paul Dickov forced a good save from Porto’s keeper, Helton, right at the end, and Pearce now knows what areas he and the squad need to work on ahead of Chelsea next Sunday.
“It was a great exercise and it gives me something to work on when I go in on Monday morning. At times we chased the ball because technically Porto are a very good team but we know we have got to get better and keep possession better. I was pleased with a lot of aspects today. It was a stern test, and just what we wanted.”
Pearce also picked out the contributions of two players who were making their first appearances in front of their own fans at the City of Manchester Stadium.
“We have some new players bedding in and I thought the new players did very well today. I thought Corradi did well, as did Dabo, who lifted his game a notch and got stronger as the game went on. The squad’s learning about each-other and when they learn more, like how good Bernardo is at flick-ons, they will get stronger as a collective.”
