Hughes defends Man City's spending spree after criticism from Sir Alex

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has rebuffed criticism from Sir Alex Ferguson over the club's spending this summer. City's latest signing was £26.5million Carlos Tevez, who spent the last two seasons under Ferguson at Manchester United. Sir Alex described City's spending this year as 'stupid' and 'unrealistic'. But Hughes said: 'We haven't had the benefit of Champions League money over a long period and we haven't had the success to generate the large amounts of money. 'All the squads and managers have spent large amounts to be successful. That has never changed. We are trying to be successful and to do that we have to spend money. 'We understand how people may view us at this time, when times are hard financially for a lot of people. 'But football sometimes bucks that trend, almost always, certainly at the top level.' Hughes also rejected suggestions City had paid over the odds for Tevez. 'I think in this current age, and given some of the other transfers this summer, notably Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Carlos will prove a bargain,' he said. The City boss admits he cannot wait for the new season to get started. 'This is probably the first season when, after a break, I have been really looking forward to getting back,' he said 'You feel a little bit drained after a long hard season and usually wish you could have a couple more weeks. But myself and all my staff couldn't wait to get back and get stuck in again.' Little wonder either given the players Hughes will have at his disposal. Even if no-one else arrived before the September deadline, the Welshman can still look forward to working with Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry. But, in all probability, there will be more new faces. Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to complete a £25million switch from Arsenal any day soon. Meanwhile a formal bid for Lescott is expected to be lodged with Everton, while Hughes will not give up on the prospect of Chelsea skipper John Terry moving north. Of course, in addition to new arrivals, some must make way. Skipper Richard Dunne is being linked with Sunderland but Hughes dismissed suggestions he was about to offload his captain. 'There has been interest in Richard which is to be expected because he is a good player," he told Man City's official website. 'But I have spoken to him already and it is not something on which we are going to dwell.'

Source: Daily_Mail