Premier League News: Roberto Mancini believes in youngsters, Wigan Athletic Sign Ali Al Habsi
Premier League side Wigan Athletic have recruited Ali Al Habsi on loan from Bolton Wanderers. Ali is the Oman International goalkeeper. The keeper couldn’t find many opportunities with the Wanderers, but was impressed when he played in the UEFA Cup matches in the 07/08 season.
Latics Manager, Roberto Martinez, was excited about the keeper’s abilities and stated that the 28 year old Oman international could challenge Chris Kirkland for a spot in between the sticks. He added that his squad needs competition and contenders in every department as that keeps the players going. Ali is expected to do the same in the goalkeeping department, which would make Kirkland work hard for his spot and not take everything for granted.
The manager praised the shot stopper’s attitude towards the game, and believed that after spending four years in the Premier League, he has fully adjusted to it. He welcomed the player on board, stating that the club and squad are pleased to have him in the club. Ali played in Norway for Lyn Oslo where he made a name for himself. He has won 70 caps for his country.
In other news, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that the youth of Manchester City could still make a name for themselves. Since the club’s take over by Dubai tycoon Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, City have signed some high profile names. Within two years, players like Robinho, Carlos Tevez, Adebayor and now David Silva play for the club. City have also signed Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng this season. However, as the club signs more and more star players, it leaves little or no chance for home grown talent to reach the senior team.
Home grown players like Shaun Wright Phillips, Micah Richards and Stephen Ireland have been forced to sit on the substitute bench owing to the amount of signings, which is bad news for any club. Mancini, however, clarified that the signings were only to create history and heritage for the club, and that the young players stand a chance to break through into the first team. Mancini and his star-studded team are looking forward to start the new season, as they are strong title contenders. They aim to contend for the title, and look to atleast finish in the top four. City finished 5th last season, as opposed to a 10th place finish in the 08/09 season. Mark Hughes was replaced by Roberto Mancini last season in December, after a string of draws under Hughes. The former Inter Milan coach kept the Italian league title for three straight seasons. Manchester City was able to defeat champions Chelsea on two occasions, and Mancini has the credit of driving City to their first ever Stamford Bridge win since 1978.
Mancini added that the youngsters who perform the best stand a chance to make it into the first team.
The Italian said: "Of course we have spent a lot of money this summer. It is hard to win trophies if you do not invest in areas where you can improve.”
He insisted that the club is committed to its youth academy and it does focus on developing home-grown talent. He believed that it was important for the manager to clarify to the youngsters that there is a patch which would lead them into the First team. He added that all the players are working hard on playing the opening match of the season against Spurs on 14th August, and insisted than anyone could be in the starting line-up.
Having players like Silva and Tevez in their already star-studded squad makes them a dangerous competitor next season. The Manchester United manager has changed his statements from declaring City as “Noisy Neighbours” to a team which would give him “headaches”. Chelsea will also be on the lookout, as City have defeated them on both home and away fixtures.
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