Roberto Mancini Says City's USA Tour Is Not For Him, But For Club: The Nightly EPL

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is not amused by the club’s decision to go on tour to the United States this May just days after the 2012-13 Premier League season ends.

“Usually I don’t like this because when we finish the season it is finished. The players need to go home for one week because afterwards they should go with national team. It is not for me. We go to play two games for the club because it is important – but I don’t like to go (on tour) after the championship.”

Even Sir Alex Ferguson is bemused by City’s decision to play friendly matches in St Louis and New York.

“I was surprised to see they were playing two games. It can only be because of whatever financial gains they’re getting out of it. They’re the two richest clubs too. They must need the money! I wouldn’t do it, I must admit. Players need to get their rest at the end of the season.”

Here are tonight’s Premier League news headlines:

• Paolo Di Canio vows to make Wearsiders bigger than rivals Newcastle United — The Telegraph
• Chelsea omit Frank Lampard and John Terry for FA Cup semi-final — The Guardian
• Origins of Liverpool’s vision can be traced back to Barcelona 40 years ago, reveals coach — Telegraph
• Roberto Mancini says FA Cup win will alter Manchester City’s season — The Guardian
• Phil Jagielka will replace Phil Neville as Everton’s club captain next season — Sky Sports
• Sky says BT should stop moaning about Premier League ad row — The Guardian
• Michael Laudrup says the club would have ‘no problem’ selling any player in the off season — BBC Sport
• Refs have been ‘disastrous’ but they need help, claims Arsene Wenger — Evening Standard
• Benfica club officials pay tribute to Sir Bobby Robson with wreath at St James’ Park — NUFC
• Miniature football figurine collector gets ‘dream job’ — Yahoo Sports
• David Moyes wary Everton need major overhaul in summer — The Independent
• Uruguay FA will launch a defense of Luis Suarez after FIFA began disciplinary proceedings — Sky Sports
• Harry Redknapp fears impact of Bobby Zamora ban on battle against relegation — Telegraph
• Paul Gascoigne thanks Rooney and Gerrard for saving life but ‘may drink again’ — The Mail
• Gary Neville clarifies views on Chelsea defender David Luiz — The Independent
• Harry Redknapp ditches club suit, but not his wife to help QPR’s luck — Dirty Tackle
• Premier League clubs to be reported to HMRC after advertising for unpaid internships — Telegraph
• Newcastle’s Alan Pardew hopes Paolo Di Canio succeeds at Sunderland — The Guardian

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