The manager is determined that there can be parallel development at Carrington and Platt Lane and bristles at suggestions that the Blues will ignore homegrown talent.
“In my first half season at the club Cunningham, Nimley, Nielsen, Ibrahim and Boyata were all given a debut,” he stressed. “That didn’t happen at many clubs.
“That will continue where possible this season too. We are absolutely committed to the Academy and to bringing through and developing our own talent.”
Mancini certainly cannot be accused of platitudes or empty words for he has brought eleven youngsters on the three-week tour of the USA.
Many are expected to play in the opening practice match against Portland Timbers this weekend.
“They are training with the first team and it is great experience for them,” continued the manager. “They have great enthusiasm and they will learn much from the trip. It is important that they know that there is a path to the first team there for them.
Of course we have spent a lot of money this summer. Everyone can see that is the case but all the teams who have won the Premier League, or La Liga or Serie A in recent years have spent a lot of money
...Roberto Mancini
“This is not a new thing. It is hard to win trophies anywhere if you do not invest in the team in areas where you can improve. That is what we have done this summer.
“I have been really pleased with the way training has gone so far. We are working hard and at the same time monitoring that the players are not doing too much too soon.
“The facilities are great and the weather has been perfect...not too hot. We are building towards August 14 and the league kick off and everyone in the squad has a chance to be in the team that day.”
