Exclusive training session report

Just got back from the Liverpool training session at the Rajamangala Stadium here in Bangkok.

Luckily my friend Dittha, who is with the Supporters Club here, had some extra tickets for tonight's session, so my son and I went along.

All the players joined in, although Kirkland was taken out for some physio towards the end, but came back to wind down with the rest of the lads.

Starting off with their traditional group Thai wai (prayer like greeting) to the crowd, to roars of approval, the lads put in 90 mins of hard work.

About 3,000 supporters (I reckon) watched the training, in a drizzly Bangkok at 6.30pm.

Not as many as last year, and although the support is as fervent, it seems a little less crazy!

The fans still screamed when Owen looked their way, but the favourite tonight was Riise.

Dividing into two groups, which rotated, they warmed up with jogs, then one group did a passing game whilst the other played a sort of seven a side match where they passed the ball hand to hand, or headed it.

Then they could make the final pass a shot or a header. Ended with 3 groups playing a very competitive seven a side sort of game, the losing side coming off until the next team conceded a goal, then they were replaced and so on.

The group were up for the practise, putting everything into it.

Pongolle very enthusiastic, Didi a bit resigned to it, but all in all good fun.Weather cool tonight and surface slippery.

Looking forward to the match tomorrow.

Caught sight of the Thai National Team training tonight in the stadium grounds - on a park like pitch, with joggers running around them, supporters picnicking, kids running around!

Nicky (in Bangkok)

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