The Academy youngsters who stepped up to face a strong 1860 Munich side were more than equal to the demanding challenge in a 1-1 draw earned by a 60th-minute equaliser by Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov.
But with so little practice at their Rottach-Egern headquarters under their belts, City’s boss knew there was the chance of an embarrassing result to kick off what will be a hugely-important season for the Club.
Manager Hughes confessed: “It was a bit of a risk in taking such a game so early in our preparation - we’d only had seven days of training. But I think it was a risk worth taking and everybody came out with a lot of credit.
“I was very pleased. The young lads came in and did really well, which is particularly pleasing. We had something like nine Academy players on the pitch at the end of the game.
“Some had to play 90 minutes, which wasn’t my original plan but we had a few fallers during the week so some had to play longer than you would have liked, but it was a good performance and, all in all, a good exercise.
“We controlled the game for long periods, and we were calm and considered in possession. Towards the end we created a few good chances - it was a good finish by Boji and the goal will help him as well.”
Goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, signed from Aston Villa this summer, made a decent start to his City career but could do little about the brilliant free kick delivered by Alexander Ludwig from just outside the box to put Munich ahead.
Hughes, pleased with Taylor’s debut, said: “Set plays in pre-season are always a worry because you are not able to do all the homework you would like on the opposition. But to be fair to the guy it was a great finish.”
