Young players

“Young players are like melons. Only when you open and taste the melon are you 100% sure that the melon is good.”

— On developing young players

“My conscience tells me that if, for example, Baker, Brown and Solanke are not national team players in a few years, I should blame myself.”

— Chelsea, on three academy players in pre-season, 2014

“I promised him that [if he scored] I would buy him a pair of shoes that he really likes, that cost €800. … He came over to me and told me not to forget that. Tomorrow morning, I will go and buy them.”

— Roma, after 18-year-old Felix Afena-Gyan scored twice at Genoa, 2021

“Do you know how many players I have brought through from the academy to the first team? Forty-nine. If anyone is interested I can give you the names.”

— Manchester United, at his first press conference, answering criticism over young players, 2016

“I love intelligent ball boys, like I was. I was a brilliant ball boy as a kid. This kid today was brilliant. He reads the game, understands the game and made an important assist.”

— Tottenham, praising the ball boy whose quick throw set up an equaliser against Olympiacos, 2019

“If you don't bring kids through the academy, the best thing is to close the academy. If the kids are not good enough or the work not good enough, and you don't bring kids through, then close the door and use the money to buy players.”

— Chelsea, before a Champions League match in which he gave an academy player his debut, 2014

“But I think the best debut for a young player is in the middle of an experienced structure, where he can be supported. To play so many kids at the same time, honestly, I don't think it's good.”

— Manchester United, on fielding several academy players at once, 2017

“I really like this squad and looking to the young players – there is not one manager in the world that doesn't like to play young players and to help young players to develop – not one.”

— Tottenham, in his first interview after being appointed, 2019