working out of a suitcase

Just how disruptive is it?

Players not only have to settle into new formations, play with players previously seen as rivals and in some cases learn new languages and cultural nuances....and thats just in their working life.

Yes they are pampered, yes they get squillions to spend and hardly slum it yet those first few weeks/months of settling in can be very diruptive whether youve moved 50 miles, to a different country and in some cases too a different continent.

Just what effect could this have to City, Liverpool and United who have signed or are about to sign a larger than normal number of players in this window. Or do we think City will leave it at 3 or 4 maximum because of that?

if they are youngsters or squad players, it shouldn't matter too much.

If they are going to be first teamers then it is up to the club to help out as much as possible. The rest of the squad will be important to make them feel like part of the group.

It also helps if you already know some of the players from the international set up or if you have played with them before.

For city, clichy and nasri already know Kolo Toure so that will help a little.

Settling in is also another reason why players need that pre-season together to help them bond as a unit and feel part of the team.