The European Tour

My European pre-season tour ended in a high note winning three out of four and drawing one game. It given me the opportunity to try a few combinations at our back-line.

Our second pre-season friendly was annual match against feeder club Genk. As usual we lead at half-time by 1:0 thanks to Charlie Adam strike. Suarez double our lead before Genk pulled one back. Bellamy completed the score-sheet by adding the third in the 55th minutes. Great performance in the middle of the field. Total domination by the lads. Alex Serrano broke his wrist during the game.

Another agent for Spanish youngster called my office right after the game with Genk and offer young fullback Ivan Lopez from Levante. Without hesitation I asked his help to make a deal with Levante.

The next day, a called from Levante stated that they had received our proposal and agreed to let us talk to Ivan’s agent. Few days later, Ivan Lopez arrived in Anfield to sign his contract.

First home pre-season friendly at Anfield was against similar reputation team. The Italian Serie A team Fiorentina. I decided to try Jesus Joaquin Fernandez Saenz de la Torre also known as Suso as Attacking Midfielder. We dominated the field with a plenty of chances but Artur Boruc performs superbly between the stick for Fiorentina. We lead Fiorentina 2:1 at half-time with both goals from Daniel Agger. Midfielder Riccardo Montolivo saved Fiorentina from losing by scoring the equalizer 2 minutes before time.

Two days after friendly with Fiorentina a called from Turin saying that they wanted make a deal for Suso after seeing him playing in the match. It was a hard decision I had to make but after a short discussion with the board and coaching staff we agreed to let Suso move to Juventus.

Suso joined Juventus for £1.6 mil

Fourth and final European tour was against Real Sociedad at Anoeta, San Sebastian. I could say it was a balance game as both teams try to creates a lot of chances in front of goal. Luck was on our side as veteran striker Bellamy scored the only goal of the game in dying minutes. 1:0 for us at the end. Good performance although we had to wait until the end to score.

I think we are ready for last stage of pre-season tour in China next week. But before that, Manchester City have asking us about a move for our young lad - Jack Robinson. Another tough decision but it would be a good move for the club and the youngster himself. The next day, he was going to the City of Manchester Stadium.

Jack Robinson signs for Manchester City in a £2.5 mil