Any early observations from the pre season so far?

[Dubai Mark]

Trust that you are all well. I watched most of the Schalke game last night and have caught a few highlights and interviews like I'm sure many of you have. Without getting over confident, have to say that things are looking good. What are your observations and thoughts so far half way through the pre season, I like what I have been seeing, even the away kit. When I first started following City we had an all red away kit, but it was of course only used when we played the likes of Watford, Wolves or Hull City. I also like a lot the new first choice kit, although I was hoping for black shorts like we had back in the 70's.

Like many I do get a bit distracted by the incomings of other clubs and the huge transfer fees, but so far it looks like the signings made have been well thought out, are quality and have been made for limited cash up front. In particular, based on what I have seen so far it is hard not to see Patrick Roberts not in the team to play Liverpool, plus from the comments made from a friend who is a Schalke season ticket holder we have ourselves an excellent GK to put pressure on Krul. Also, I like how we appear to be snapping up some excellent young talent for our U23's and how loans are being made for some of them too, it feels like we have a plan, which of course we have

 

[morty]

Picking up on stuff others have said. Patrick Roberts looks something special. Both Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia have been hitting the weights this summer, and have noticeably bulked up.

 

[Number 9]

Schalke are a good side but remember that they are a week or two behind us in their preseason and didn't have a full strength team.

Regards other teams transfer window activity, Sheffield United seem to be taking a few risks, bringing in older players and 'attitude ' players.
They might regret this window, not sure how those players will gel with the playing style or the group of players which have come from League one generally.